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.

Winery: Penfolds

Varietal(s): Shiraz

Size: 750mL

Country: Australia

State: South Australia

Region: Coonawarra

Vintage: 1998 

1998 was an outstanding vintage. Spring rains compensated for a particularly dry winter. A warm summer led to an early harvest in most regions. The Coonawarra delivered very strong Shiraz with full ripeness and little leafy characters.

Maturation: Aged 12 months in new (20%) and seasoned French oak.

Alc/Vol: 13.8%

Closure Type: Cork

Food matching: Cheese, Duck & Game

Producer Tasting Notes: Bright crimson red, this wine presents a combination of savory spices such as white pepper alongside youthful, fleshy plum and blackberry fruit. The lively, rich fruit aromas are complemented by notes of freshly shelled walnut and pistachio, with a hint of Chinese roasted pork. It offers lively and ripe forward flavours characteristic of Coonawarra Shiraz, featuring damson plum, blackberry, and beetroot. The generous sweet mid-palate richness provides a lively character that is gently supported by stylish, softened oak tannins.

92/100 Gismondi on Wine

93/100 Jeremy Oliver