2008 Penfolds Bin 128 Shiraz 750ml

With each vintage release the cool-climate Bin 128 Coonawarra Shiraz provides an interesting counterpoint to the more opulent and richly concentrated warm climate Kalimna Bin 28 Shiraz. Bin 128 comprises fruit sourced from the unique terra rossa soils of Coonawarra, a region that exemplifies the perfume, transparency and seductive nature of coolclimate red table wines. Coonawarra has remained the source of shiraz fruit for Bin 128 since the inaugural release of the 1962 vintage. In order to further enhance the regional qualities of Bin 128, the wine is matured in a mixture of new and seasoned French oak hogsheads, a method that was refined during the 1980's when the transition was made from American to French oak. Critic tasting note: "This wine dazzles, with layer upon layer of fruit and earth notes followed up by a refined but intense palate where the flavors lean to iron, black pepper and Christmas cake. The finish is quite long, with delicious notes of raspberry and plum pudding buoyed by sinewy tannins. Keep several years for more complexity, then try with roasted venison." - 89/100, Wine Enthusiast Vintage Notes A dry, warm winter promoted good bud fruitfulness followed by a spring with limited frost concerns which meant overall vine health was excellent. January was hot and dry, tempered by a cool February that steadied ripening. Warm weather at harvest ensured full flavour development. Ageing This wine was matured for 12 months in 25% new French oak hogsheads, with the balance in one and two year old French oak hogsheads. Producer Tasting Notes COLOUR Shimmering purple hues. NOSE The nose is youthful and fresh with a rush of stylish fruits - raspberry, Satsuma plum - to the fore. A cedary oak background is in balance with the cooler climate spices and earthy, meat complexities. PALATE The palate is defined, tight and focussed. Integrated, stylish oak fuses effortlessly with a compote of expressive, red-berried fruits. Fine, persistent tannins comfortably convey a long and lingering finish, signing off and providing closure for this medium-weight Bin 128 package