Penfolds Bin 2 Shiraz Mataro

Tasting note: Saturated red core with a crimson rim. A first-impression glimpse of red-fruited high notes – propelling mulberry, damson plums and boysenberry. Following, scents of pastrami (lightly coated in cardamon, rosemary?) and moist slices of silverside sans mustard. Swirling and a little time in glass liberate an ascent of wafts of a deconstructed puttanesca sauce (caper/olive/tomato). Oak barely perceivable. From front to back palate, an immediate and gentle softness and freshness. This tactile smoothness/‘creaminess’ invokes an almost velour/felt/velvet/satin mouthfeel. Perhaps ‘custardy/cream sago-like’ tannins and balanced acidity induce this even emulsification? Derived flavors of quince paste and fresh white figs allow a modicum of fruited. Additional information: Penfolds Bin 2 was first released in 1960, yet was discontinued in Australia in the 1970s at the height of the white wine boom. The original Bin 2 was an ‘Australian Burgundy’ style (despite its Rhone varieties) – typically a soft, medium-bodied wine based on Shiraz. The Bin 2 blend of Shiraz and Mataro is still relatively uncommon in Australian table wines. Also known as Monastrell or Mtheirvedre, Mataro was introduced to Australia in the 1830s. Sometimes used in fortified wine production, this grape is widely planted in the Barossa Valley.