2018 Penfolds Bin 138 Grenache Shiraz Mourvedre 750ml

Bin 138 draws its inspiration from the wines of Southern Rhne, where shiraz, grenache and mataro (mourvdre) are blended in varying proportions to create full-bodied wines possessing rich and heady perfume. Each year fruit for Bin 138 is sourced from old Barossa Valley vines (some more than 100 years old) and then matured for 12 to 15 months in seasoned oak hogsheads to allow the different varietals to shine through. The first vintage release of this varietal blend was the 1992, labelled Old Vine Barossa Valley it was then elevated to Bin status with the 1998 vintage.

Drinking Window: 2020 – 2035

Blend: 22% Grenache (Grenache), 68% Syrah & 10% Mourvedre (Monastrell)

Vintage Notes

Autumn rainfall was below average, a trend that continued into early winter with only 25% of the long-term average achieved in June. The latter half of winter was wetter, with vines entering the growing season with very healthy moisture profiles. Temperatures were below average during winter, however it warmed substantially through spring boosting vine growth and rushing the vines through flowering. Spring conditions were dry early, followed by plentiful November rainfall which encouraged good, strong canopy development. Summer was dry, with no recorded major rain events. This carried into January with a heat spike around veraison causing vines to stall, pushing the start of vintage out by a week or so. The warm weather carried into autumn, setting up an Indian summer with favourable conditions for ripening grapes, and this coupled with dry conditions set up a high-quality vintage for all three varietals.Ageing: Seasoned French and American oak hogsheads