Penfolds

The first Bin 21 Grenache from the 2022 vintage was sourced from the Barossa Valley. This time, the Barossa is partnered with McLaren Vale. Offers ripe raspberry fruits, red plums with lively spice, musk and hints of wild herbs. The grape’s obvious varietal charms are in play with the noted presence of confection – musk and red liquorice – laced throughout a palate high in red and purple fruits and spice. While French and American oak were employed, they blend in easily, effortlessly, adding supple and fine tannins to the structure and overall finesse of the wine.

It is year one for the Penfolds Bin 21 Grenache 2022. The first label released the 2022 Cellar Reserve Barossa Valley Grenache 21 years ago, Bin number 21. Grenache has been widely undervalued in the past by retailers and consumers. Still, the move away from high-alcohol reds has shone a new light on this variety that can reach very tall heights in Australia and the south of France. Cranberry and pomegranate lead the nose, but the trick is enveloping it in the Penfolds silky structure. Severe examples of fun wines are hard to come by, but Bin 21 efficiently manages to pull it off. Aged in a mix of one-year-old (5%) and two-year-old (6%), the rest is marked seasoned. Gago describes it as “Pinot-esque,” other say grenache is the new pinot in Australia.