Penfolds Bin 138 Shiraz Grenache Mataro

Dark crimson red. Multi-faceted, enchanting. A gentle swirl reveals a complex aromatic exhibit of sweet, scented fruits and warm, savoury notes. Antipasto platter, each morsel competing for attention. Charcuterie meats: Spanish chorizo, soppressata, mortadella. Fresh pomegranate, sliced ripe persimmons and semi-dried red currants. Green olives, grilled eggplant and white anchovies. Overlaying these exotic aromatic notes are more subtle aromas of warm spices: dried fennel and star anise. Undertones of fragrant Sunday roast pan scrapings and hints of ferrous iron stone brings the Barossa Valley to front of mind. An abundance of flavoursome fruit. Shiraz is our hero, selected for its fine savoury tannins, dark fruit and generosity across the mid-palate. Grenache tannins, exotic red fruits and lively acid provide ample tension. Mataro plays the anchor role, binding the palate into a harmonious balance with dusty, textural, mouth filling tannins. The tannins combined feel massaged and ground, quietly confident. The acidity is fresh and enticing. The palate is plush, complete. A generous, balanced all-rounder. Certainly not over extracted or pumped up. All together an enticing, complex, evolving wine, with a creamy texture, lively freshness and a willingness to delight from the first sip.