2016 Bin 138 Shiraz Mataro Grenache

The 25th release of Bin 138 … originally titled Barossa Valley Old Vines Red. At Penfolds not abbreviated to GSM (or SGM).

Cellar code: RRP – Rhône (inspired) Red Penfolds.

True to its original blueprint – not subservient to oak/alcohol/artefact. Food friendly, drinking friendly.

Intensity of colour pre-empts what follows … wants for little. An old vine in soil needs water, this wine in glass needs air.

Peter Gago, Penfolds chief winemaker

91/100

The 2016 Bin 138 Shiraz-Grenache-Mataro is heavily tilted toward Shiraz (72%), with 16% Grenache and 12% Mataro, aged in older French and American hogsheads.

Black olive, raspberry and herbal notes all come together smoothly on the medium to full-bodied palate, framed by supple tannins and bright acidity on the lingering finish.

Joe Czerwinski, Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, www.robertparker.com

17+/20

Matthew Jukes, www.matthewjukes.com, October 2018

91/100

Jeremy Oliver, www.jeremyoliver.com