PENFOLDS
SOUTH AUSTRALIA & NAPA VALLEY, CALIFORNIA
Why Buy: Penfolds has done it again. Decanter hails this year's collection from the “first growth” Down Under, which includes two 97-pointers and two 95-pointers, as an "outstanding set of red wine releases" and "the best in some years,” front-and-centering the fruits of two stellar vintages — 2021 and 2022. We were struck, yet again, in our tastings by the enormous two-fer appeal of these wines, which are majestic and serious enough to satisfy the most discerning collector, but also remarkably approachable and ready for immediate enjoyment. It’s this delicious duality that has long made Penfolds, which this year celebrates its 180th year, both a crowd favorite and a collector's dream.
What They’re Saying: In its stirring assessment of the 97-point Bin 389 Cabernet-Shiraz 2022, Decanter wrote:"The superb quality of fruit allocated in this luscious blend – dubbed by many as 'baby Grange' – represents probably the best value to be found in the Penfolds portfolio, and is the shining star of the reds in the 2022 Collection ... rich and plush ... finishes cleanly and absolutely correctly.” James Suckling was just as enamored of the 97-point Bin 95 Grange 2020, extolling its "clarity, focus and very fine tannins that are polished and caressing,” and calling it "one of the most refined and textural Granges I have had in a long time.” Suckling also weighed in on the Bin 704 Cabernet Sauvignon 2021, awarding it 95 points and praising its "well-integrated tannins" that give "framing and vibe.” Bin 149 Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 also garnered 95 points; Vinous declared it "a classic waiting for its time to shine," with "perfectly ripened fruit [that] is immaculately balanced with fine and firm tannins topped by exceptional length."
Our Tasting Notes: Let's start with the 2022 Bin 389 Cabernet-Shiraz, affectionately known as "Baby Grange." Picture a glass brimming with lush fruit, seamlessly balanced and finishing with impeccable precision. A masterclass in blending, showcasing why Penfolds remains at the pinnacle of Australian winemaking. The 2021 Bin 600 Cabernet-Shiraz offers a fascinating twist — its Penfolds' vision of a Napa “claret." Here, Barossa vines transplanted to California soil yield a wine of distinctive character. The robust Cabernet backbone is softened and elevated by a touch of Shiraz, resulting in a wine that's both boldly assertive and pleasurable. For those seeking pure Cabernet expression, the 2021 Bin 149 is a revelation. We loved its balance and length, portending years of evolution in the cellar. And let's not forget the 2020 Grange. It speaks to Penfolds' ability to produce world-class wines even in challenging vintages. Deep, long, and endlessly sensuous, it’s one of the most refined Granges in recent memory.
The Story: The story of Penfolds is really a tale of two wineries, or, rather, if you will, story in two distinct parts. Founded in 1844, by Dr. Christopher Rawson Penfold, the winery began as a producer of fortified wines for medicinal use; today, as it celebrates its 180th anniversary, it stands as a paragon of world-class winemaking, its wines delivering deep, abiding pleasure. Under the guidance of Chief Winemaker Peter Gago, Penfolds has expanded its horizons beyond Australia, with successful forays into Champagne, Bordeaux, California, and China. This global perspective has influenced their winemaking, leading to a subtle shift towards finesse — but without sacrificing the full-flavored depth that made them famous. The 2024 collection is a testament to this evolution. It showcases the best of two exceptional vintages — 2021 and 2022 — which have yielded wines of remarkable depth and balance. From the beloved Bin series to the iconic Grange, each wine in this release tells a story of a winery at the height of its powers, yet still pushing boundaries.
The Specs: Penfolds' winemaking philosophy is rooted in multi-regional blending, a practice that allows them to maintain consistency and quality regardless of vintage variations. For the 2022 Bin 389, fruit from McLaren Vale, Coonawarra, and Barossa was meticulously selected and blended to create a wine of exceptional balance. The 2021 Bin 600 represents a unique cross-continental blend, with Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz from Napa Valley's Camatta Hills Vineyard (formerly known as Creston 600 Ranch) — a site planted with cuttings from Penfolds' historic Kalimna vineyard in the Barossa. For Grange, only the best Shiraz grapes from multiple vineyards are selected, aged for 18 months in new American oak hogsheads.
What to Pair Them With: These powerhouses perform best alongside rich, flavorful dishes. The Bin 389 and Grange call for aged, prime cuts of beef - think a perfectly seared ribeye or a slow-roasted prime rib. The Bin 600 and Bin 149 Cabernets pair beautifully with lamb dishes, while the Bin 28 Shiraz all but demands a preparation of roasted duck or goose.
Fun Fact: Penfolds' commitment to quality is legendary, but did you know about their recorking clinics? These events allow owners of Penfolds wines 15 years or older to have their bottles assessed, topped up, and recorked if necessary — a service that has helped maintain the value and quality of older Penfolds wines in collections worldwide.
Our Guarantee: We always buy and source direct, so rest assured – your wines will arrive in your hands with pristine provenance. Secure your piece of Australian wine history today!
*Offer NOT valid in-store. This offer is made pre-arrival, with wines estimated to be delivered to your preferred store in Spring 2025. With the supply chain issues that we are seeing globally, there may be some unforeseen delays which could affect the ETA. All sale prices are the lowest available at Total Wine & More and ONLY valid through Concierge Sales. No further discounts or coupons may be applied. Offer not valid in KS, MI, NY, & TN. This offer is for ONE WEEK, or until sold out, and will expire on Monday, October 14th, 2024.