Penfolds is recognized as one of Australia’s premiere wine producers, renowned for its flagship wine, Grange (Bin 95), which has been crafted since the 1950s. They offer a variety of Bin wines, including Bin 389, a blend that used to be quite affordable but has gradually become pricier while remaining cheaper than Grange. Bin 389 is reliable at all stages of aging, showcasing Penfolds’ commitment to quality. Another notable wine is St Henri, which stands out for being made without new oak, often requiring some time in the cellar. Bin 707, a Cabernet Sauvignon variant, also shines in Penfolds’ lineup.
Recently, a tasting event hosted by Berry Bros & Rudd featured a selection from Penfolds’ back vintages, highlighting the evolution of these prestigious wines. Here are some tasting notes from the event:
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Penfolds Bin 144 Yattarna Chardonnay 2015: The wine presents enticing aromas of nuts, honey, and vanilla with linear citrus notes. On the palate, it offers pear and white peach richness along with a satisfying acidity. Rated 95/100.
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Penfolds Bin 389 Cabernet Shiraz 2018: This vintage is concentrated yet fresh with hints of vanilla and a medley of black fruits. It shows potential but remains tight. Rated 94/100.
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Penfolds Bin 389 Cabernet Shiraz 2015: A harmonious blend with sweet black cherry and blackcurrant fruits, exhibiting a lovely structure and nuances of leather and spice. Rated 95/100.
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Penfolds Bin 389 Cabernet Shiraz 2010: This wine exhibits lovely weight and concentration alongside savory black cherry hints, evolving well. Rated 95/100.
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Penfolds St Henri Shiraz 2013: Offers a refined nose with dried herbs and black fruits, accompanied by a savory twist on the palate. Stylishly rated at 95/100.
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Penfolds St Henri Shiraz 2010: This vintage shows excellent development with fresh fruit and a focused structure, rated at 96/100.
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Penfolds Bin 707 Cabernet Sauvignon 2008: Exhibits a gravelly fruit nose with herbal notes, showing refinement in structure and good definition. Rated 96/100.
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Penfolds Bin 707 Cabernet Sauvignon 2009: Known for its perfumed floral notes and sweet fruit on the palate, this vintage offers a polished and elegant finish. Rated 96/100.
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Penfolds Bin 95 Grange 2013: This wine has a focused, brooding front, showing both concentration and firm tannins, though currently a bit clunky. Rated 94/100.
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Penfolds Bin 95 Grange 2006: Displays earthy and spicy notes, with noticeable development in the palate, finishing warm and spicy. Rated 93/100.
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Penfolds Bin 95 Grange 2001: This vintage is earthy and rich with ripe berry fruits, lacking a bit of focus, rated at 93/100.
Each of these wines reflects the excellence and intricate craftsmanship associated with the Penfolds brand, making them worthy of any wine enthusiast’s attention.
For more information on Penfolds wines, you can visit Berry Bros & Rudd’s Penfolds page.