Penfolds Bin 150 Marananga Shiraz

The release of the 2008 Penfolds Bin 150 Marananga Shiraz is significant, as it is the first subregional wine Penfolds has ever released. Penfolds is not a fast mover, as far as trends are concerned, but it does move. When RWT was first released, about 10 years ago, it was the first clearly declared Barossa Shiraz, and today more information is released about the fruit comprising Grange.

I believe the grapes for this wine come from the old Seppeltsfield vineyards, which are contracted out to Fosters (now Treasury Wine Estates). No doubt, the new Seppeltsfield owners will take the grapes back as soon as they can, but Penfolds' thinking might be that the highly promising Waltons vineyard might be able to step in at the time.

The Bin 150 has an inky colour, almost black. In line, the bouquet is very dense, and the blackberry fruit is supported by aniseed and meat flavours. The wine is clearly built to last with firm tannins, but also more acidity than perhaps expected from the Marananga subregion. As a result, the wine does not feel overly heavy (obviously full-bodied). It is clearly too early to drink.

The style is not my favorite, but I think this wine will develop well and most likely surprise those who have been a bit critical on release.

Score: 93/+