Penfolds Bin 128 Shiraz 2009

Created in 1962, Penfolds Bin 128 is a regional wine that reflects the unique climate and growing conditions of South Australia's Coonawarra district and the relatively elegant style of cool climate Shiraz. From the 1980 vintage, French oak replaced American, highlighting the pepper, spice and floral characteristics that define this style. Since the mid-1980s, a greater attention has been paid to fruit ripeness, resulting in a wine that is fuller in style and structure.

Winter rains were below average and Spring was very dry, followed by healthy rainfall in December. January and February were incredibly dry with only 2.2 mm precipitation. Summer temperatures were mild and slightly above average for most of the growing season. The vineyards weathered four days of January heat unscathed as they were yet to go through veraison. A long and late harvest was conducive to excellent flavour development (the second latest vintage for the last ten years). Fruit for the 2009 Coonawarra vintage was picked in excellent condition. This wine was matured for 12 months in new (28%) and seasoned French oak hogsheads

"Good crimson-purple; a high quality Bin 128, the base of supple, medium-bodied blackberry and plum fruit pure Coonawarra, the tannin management and oak handling pure Penfolds. A great future. - 94 Points.- James Halliday"