#FavouriteThings Holiday Gift Suggestions | Penfolds®

“In this series we bring you our #FavouriteThings Holiday Gift Suggestions which we personally recommend”

Penfolds collection of fine wines for wine lovers with discriminating taste and the patience to cellar their wines. An exquisite collection for the important people on your list this year, that of course should include yourself.

THE PENFOLDS COLLECTION
BIN 28 SHIRAZ 2020

VARIETAL
Shiraz

VINTAGE
2020

VINEYARD REGION
McLaren Vale, Barossa Valley, Padthaway, Clare Valley

First made in 1959, Bin 28 was original named after the famous Barossa Valley Kalimna vineyard purchased by Penfolds in 1945 and from which the wine was originally sourced. Today, Bin 28 is a multi-region, multi-vineyard blend, with the Barossa Valley always well represented.

Bin 28 offers a showcase of warm climate Australian shiraz – ripe, robust and generously flavoured. First made in 1959, Bin 28 was original named after the famous Barossa Valley Kalimna vineyard purchased by Penfolds in 1945 and from which the wine was originally sourced. Today, Bin 28 is a multi-region, multi-vineyard blend, with the Barossa Valley always well represented.

VINTAGE CONDITIONS
South Australia experienced the second consecutive year of winter drought. Spring was cool and dry, conditions that continued well into November delaying flowering and fruit-set. With soil moisture levels well below average, irrigation was vital. Clare Valley had the driest winter in 120 years. Clare Valley, Coonawarra, Wrattonbully, Padthaway and the Barossa Valley experienced frosts in September that affected yields. The 2019 calendar year was the driest on record in the Barossa Valley. The beginning of December was marked by a state-wide heatwave. In all, the Barossa Valley had 26 summer days recorded over 35°C. Irrigation was crucial to managing the summer heat stress. Conditions in January and February provided some welcome relief. McLaren Vale had above average rainfall in February, which ensured the vines were able to finish the remainder of the season in good shape. While bunch weights and berry numbers were generally low across the regions, the harvest produced some outstanding parcels of shiraz.

COLOUR
Black ruby plum. Magenta rim with black core

NOSE
Benchmark Penfolds shiraz. A generous kaleidoscope of warm-climate aromatics.
Blackcurrant, black plum, ironstone, cocoa powder, dark chocolate, cola. Chocolate gateau, adorned with candied cherries. Earthy North African spices: ‘Ras El Hanout’ – paprika, cinnamon, pepper, cloves, fennel.

PALATE
Always honest, warm, approachable.
Chocolate mud cake dense, rich, opulent. Cinnamon syrup poached red cherries.
Coconut shavings, milk chocolate… wait, a Bounty bar!
Summer plum pudding with currants and crème anglaise.
Bone marrow broth, Vietnamese Phò – layered complexity and texture. Turmeric, cinnamon, star anise clove. Cola with a suggestion of Chinotto bitterness.
Sweet, layered fruit with earthy spices. Mouthcoating, chewy tannins. Cherry pip acidity.

PEAK DRINKING
Now – 2040

“THE 2020 BIN 28 IS A CLASSIC EXPRESSION OF PENFOLDS HOUSE STYLE. THE ART OF MULTI-REGIONAL BLENDING PROVIDES A FAMILIAR WARMTH AND COMFORT.” – MATT WOO, PENFOLDS WINEMAKER

$48.99 at select BC Liquor Stores

$55.00 available online at Zyn.ca

BIN 128 COONAWARRA SHIRAZ 2021

VARIETAL
Shiraz

VINTAGE
2021

VINEYARD REGION
Coonawarra

Bin 128 comprises fruit sourced from the unique terra rossa red clay over limestone soils of Coonawarra, a region that exemplifies the perfume, transparency and seductive nature of cool-climate red table wines.

Classic cool-climate Coonawarra shiraz. The 2021 vintage produced an elegant, medium-bodied and aromatic wine. Matured in French oak, explore blue fruits, savoury notes and silky tannins.

With each vintage release the cool-climate Bin 128 Coonawarra Shiraz provides an interesting counterpoint to the more opulent and richly concentrated warm climate Bin 28 Shiraz. Bin 128 comprises fruit sourced from the unique terra rossa red clay over limestone soils of Coonawarra, a region that exemplifies the perfume, transparency and seductive nature of cool-climate red table wines. Coonawarra has remained the source of shiraz fruit for Bin 128 since the inaugural release of the 1962 vintage. To further enhance the regional qualities of Bin 128, the wine is matured in a mixture of new and seasoned French oak hogsheads, élevage that was refined during the 1980s when the transition was made from American to French oak.

VINTAGE CONDITIONS
Coonawarra had a dry start to the growing season. However, February was wetter than average thanks to an inch of rain falling on the 5th and 6th. Spring was notably warm, November especially, up +3°C on the long-term average. Coonawarra experienced 7 days of minimum temperatures <2°C, however none of these were below zero and no frost damage was reported. Conditions for flowering were the best reported in 20 years, leading to excellent fruit set and yields. A peak of extreme heat occurred on 16th February, with maximum temperatures consistently >35°C for a four-day period. The 24th of January recorded the hottest day for the summer at 42.3°C. Overall, the summer and autumn conditions were cooler than average, allowing shiraz grapes to ripen slowly and evenly. The extra hang time produced lovely varietal characters. A brilliant vintage.

COLOUR
Plum purple

NOSE
Blue fruits, violets and cracked black pepper help us to orientate. Fresh mulberries, wild white strawberries and boysenberries compliment a darker panforte nuance.
Just baked panettone with vanilla cream adds a sweet allure. Savoury aromas manifest as roast beef with horseradish, paprika, Moroccan spices with a hint of struck match and pencil shavings.

PALATE
The palate is medium-weight, relative to the likes of the warm climate Bin 28 shiraz.
The blue fruits noted on the nose are quite apparent on the flavour profile. However, the wine is orientated towards the savoury end of the spectrum. Cured meats, pepper, olives and paprika flavours vying for attention. On further inspection, almond kernels and cardamom add to the allure.
The tannins are silken, finely woven around the fruit. The acid line is as neat as a pin. Everything is in the right place, a lovely wine now with decades of potential for those who can wait.

PEAK DRINKING
Now – 2038

“AS LOVELY AS IT IS IN THE FULL FLUSH OF YOUTH, THERE IS NO QUESTION SEVERAL DECADES OF ENJOYMENT AWAIT THOSE WHO HAVE THE PATIENCE.” – ANDREW HALES, PENFOLDS RED WINEMAKER

$54.99 available at select BC Liquor Stores

$55.00 available online at Zyn.ca

BIN 389 CABERNET SHIRAZ 2021

GRAPE VARIETY
Cabernet Sauvignon (53%), Shiraz (47%)

VINEYARD REGION
McLaren Vale, Coonawarra, Barossa Valley, Wrattonbully, Padthaway

Bin 389 was often referred to as ‘Baby Grange’, in part because components of the wine are matured in the same barrels that held the previous vintage of Grange. First made in 1960 by the legendary Max Schubert, this was the wine that helped forge Penfolds reputation with red wine drinkers by combining the structure of cabernet sauvignon with the richness of shiraz. Exemplifying the judicious balance of fruit and oak, Bin 389 highlights the generous mid-palate Penfolds is known for.

VINTAGE CONDITIONS
McLaren Vale enjoyed a relatively mild growing season. Dry conditions in July were countered by good spring rainfall. Warm conditions prevailed throughout spring. There were only nine summer days above 35°C. January conditions were near average, however conditions in February and March were mild. Veraison was late and that pushed harvest into March. The Barossa Valley growing season was also relatively mild with long dry spells. July was unusually dry, however good falls in August provided a solid foundation for the vines to thrive in spring. Spring temperatures were generally warmer than average with favourable climactic conditions for budburst and flowering. Summer temperatures were near long-term average, with 21 days >35°C. Coonawarra, Wrattonbully and Padthaway in the Southeast all had a favourable start to the growing season. Spring was notably warm, November especially, up +3°C on the long-term average in Coonawarra. Coonawarra experienced seven days of minimum temperatures <2°C, however none of these were below 0 and no frost damage was reported. Wrattonbully had some isolated frost, but with minimal crop loss. Conditions for flowering were ideal, leading to excellent fruit set and yields. Padthaway yields were 25% above the norm. Except for a few wet days in February, the predicted La Niña conditions failed to materialise. Overall, the summer and autumn conditions were cooler than average, allowing grapes to ripen slowly and evenly. An outstanding vintage for both cabernet sauvignon and shiraz.

COLOUR
Black core, purple rim

NOSE
A kaleidoscope of aromas. First noted, sweet pastries. Blueberry danish and chocolate croissant. Sugar dusting. The fruits of the forest are quick to emerge, fresh blackberries and mulberries dominant.
There is the faintest suggestion of formic acid, Max Schubert would approve. Dried bay leaf, pink peppercorns and black cardamom add spicy intrigue.
The imagination conjures thoughts of rare roast beef with black pepper crust, seared venison loin, coal dust, cocoa powder and graphite. With a swirl, aniseed/licorice notes become pronounced.

PALATE
A flawless integration of the two varietals, neither dominating but working together in harmony.
The aroma descriptors deftly match the palate. Flavours of black fruit and red fruit compote abound. Cocoa powder sweetness adds weight to the substantial mid-palate.
There are plenty of savoury flavours to balance out the sweetness, with cold sliced salted beef, roast lamb cooking juices
and cured pastrami.
The tannins are fine, reminiscent of oolong tea, providing plenty of structure. The delicious fruit is married seamlessly with the creamy American oak.
A fine seam of acid provides a refreshing lift on the finish. Very approachable now, but with plenty to offer down the track.

PEAK DRINKING
2025 – 2055

“THIS IS ONE FOR COLLECTORS TO DOUBLE DOWN ON, WITH A DRINKING WINDOW THAT EXTENDS WELL INTO THE SECOND HALF OF THE CENTURY.” – ANDREW BALDWIN, PENFOLDS RED WINEMAKER

$99.99 available at select BC Liquor Stores

$250.00 1500 ml available at LCBO

$94.00 available online at Zyn.ca

BIN 407 CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2021

VARIETAL
Cabernet Sauvignon

VINTAGE
2021

VINEYARD REGION
Coonawarra, Wrattonbully, McLaren Vale, Padthaway, Barossa Valley, Adelaide Hills

Launched with the 1990 vintage in 1993, Bin 407 was developed in response to the increasing availability of high-quality cabernet sauvignon fruit. Inspired by Bin 707, Bin 407 offers varietal definition and approachability, yet still possessing structure and rich depth of flavour. Textbook cabernet sauvignon, the expressive Bin 407 demonstrates the reward of Penfolds multi-regional blending philosophy. A core of ripe fruit is well supported by sensitive use of French and American oak.

VINTAGE CONDITIONS
Coonawarra, Wrattonbully and Padthaway all had a favourable start to the growing season. Spring was notably warm, November especially, up +3°C on the long-term average. Coonawarra experienced seven days of minimum temperatures <2°C, however none of these were below 0 and no frost damage was reported. Wrattonbully had some isolated frost, but with minimal crop loss thanks to deployment of frost fans. Conditions for flowering were ideal, leading to excellent fruit set and yields. Padthaway yields were 25% above the norm. McLaren Vale also enjoyed a relatively mild growing season. Dry conditions in July were countered by good spring rainfall, with warm conditions prevailing through spring. There were only nine summer days above 35°C. January conditions were near average, however conditions in February and March were mild. Veraison was late and that pushed harvest into March. The Barossa Valley growing season was also relatively mild with long dry spells. July was unusually dry, however good falls in August provided a solid foundation for the vines to thrive in spring. Spring temperatures were generally warmer than average with favourable climatic conditions for budburst and flowering. Summer temperatures were near long-term average, with 21 days >35°C. The Adelaide Hills region was also hit by “dry July”, but well managed blocks produced some exceptional parcels of cabernet sauvignon. Overall, the summer and autumn conditions were cooler than average, allowing grapes to ripen slowly and evenly. Except for a few wet days in February, the predicted La Niña conditions failed to materialise. An outstanding vintage for South Australian cabernet sauvignon.

COLOUR
Crimson red

NOSE
Compelling, attention grabbing. Varietally correct, all the T’s crossed and I’s dotted. There is a lot to decipher here. First, heady aromatics of violets, blackberry and mulberries. Cherry clafoutis, blood plums, brioche.
Next to emerge are the leafy, herbaceous notes, perfectly rendered without any suggestion of under ripeness. Mulberry leaf, bay leaf, wet tobacco/cigar box add further intrigue.
Classic English baking spices lurk quietly in the background.

PALATE
After the aromatic impression, one might expect a forbidding palate. Not so. It’s remarkably approachable, yet clearly built for a long spell in the dungeon.
The cool dark fruits are very concentrated and varietal. The leafy notes on the nose morph into char-grilled savoury flavours of grilled capsicum and cumin spiced eggplant, infused by sandalwood and cherry wood smoke.
The tannins are graphite-like, fine but reassuringly persistent, with a faint suggestion of bitter dark chocolate. At the time of tasting the wine is very energetic, dancing the tango at full tempo. Don’t expect a slow waltz anytime soon.
One for the long haul.

PEAK DRINKING
2025 – 2055

“THE STELLAR 2021 VINTAGE IS A REMINDER THAT BIN 407 IS ALSO A LONG-TERM MATURATION PROPOSITION.” – ANDREW HALES, PENFOLDS RED WINEMAKER

$109.99 available at select BC Liquor Stores

$108.00 available at select LCBO Stores

$101.00 available online at Zyn.ca

Wine notes courtesy of the winery. Images: MyVanCity. I received complimentary wine to facilitate this feature.