Penfolds2011 Bin release

For one month a year, there is no other wine.

PENFOLDS CELLar DOOrSPenfolds Magill Estate78 Penfold Road, Magill SA 5072

Penfolds Barossa ValleyTanunda Road, Nuriootpa SA 5355

PENFOLDS HEaD OFFiCE77 Southbank BoulevardSouthbank VIC 3006

CONSumEr iNFOrmatiON1300 651 650

PLEaSE CONtaCt yOur FOStErSrEPrESENtativE FOr FurtHEr iNFOrmatiON

www.penfolds.com

3652

7F10

BACK COVER FRONT COVER

Wine Club

abOut PENFOLDS 3

biNS HiStOry aND PHiLOSOPHy 5

rELEaSE HigHLigHtS 5

viNtagE OvErviEwS 9

wiNE OvErviEw aND Summary taStiNg NOtES 11

CONTENTS

INSIDE FRONT COVER

abOut PENFOLDS 3

biNS HiStOry aND PHiLOSOPHy 5

rELEaSE HigHLigHtS 5

viNtagE OvErviEwS 9

wiNE OvErviEw aND Summary taStiNg NOtES 11

CONTENTS

INSIDE FRONT COVER

Penfolds is an Australian institution with a history and heritage that profoundly reflects Australia’s

journey from colonial settlement to the modern era. Established in 1844, Penfolds has played a pivotal

role in the evolution of winemaking in Australia and indeed, across the world. After early beginnings as

a provider of iron-rich tonic wines for Adelaide’s fledgling society, it became Australia’s largest producer

of fortified wines by the time of Australia’s Federation in 1901. The acquisition of the 19th century

planted Kalimna Vineyard on the western edge of the Barossa Valley in 1945 was a precursor to a

period of extraordinary ambition and innovation. The story of Grange is a modern tale of imagination,

a battle against the odds and redemption. Max Schubert, a then young inquisitive winemaker, travelled

to Europe after World War II to investigate winemaking. The mission was to learn about sherry

production but a side trip to Bordeaux led to the extraordinary development of Penfolds Grange

and the commercialisation of dry red table wines. The discovery of the relationship between pH and

wine stability by Penfolds scientist Dr Ray Beckwith, initially kept under strict wraps for commercial

advantage, eventually percolated through the wine industry worldwide. With the practical preventative

solution of using pH meters to a centuries-old problem of random deterioration, winemakers could now

protect the quality and consistency of their wines. Indeed the entire 1950s embraced major advances

in winemaking techniques from yeast technology to fermentation practices and new oak maturation.

However, it was not without set-backs. The order by ‘Head Office’ in Sydney to stop making the

revolutionary Grange, on account of bad press and expert feedback, lead to mutiny in the cellars at

Magill. Three successive vintages, 1957, 1958 and 1959 were hidden in the drives by Chief Winemaker

Max Schubert and his close-knit winemaking team. The all-clear was made with the resounding

success of 1955 Grange Hermitage on the Australian wine show circuit. By the early 1960s Chief

Winemaker Max Schubert oversaw the creation of a “dynasty of wines which may differ in character

from year to year, but all bear an unmistakable resemblance and relationship to each other.” Bin 28,

Bin 389 and Bin 707 were all commercialised during this period. Even John Davoren’s legendary St

Henri Claret, the alter ego of Grange and matured in older oak, shared a family resemblance. This

winemaking signature, developed and refined over decades, is known as the ‘Penfolds House Style’.

Under successive chief winemakers, Don Ditter, John Duval and Peter Gago, the Penfolds portfolio

of wines has remained true to the original blueprint. This is also a testament to the integrity and

collaborative effort of the longstanding Penfolds winemaking team. The strength of Penfolds is that

it is ‘all about the wine’.

tHE iNimitabLE aNDbEautiFuL PENFOLDS wiNESEvOkE tHE gENErOSity OFtHE auStraLiaN LaNDSCaPEaND a COmPELLiNgautHENtiCity DErivEDFrOm CrOSS-gENEratiONaLCraFtSmaNSHiP aND vaLuES.

ABOUT PENFOlDS

3

Penfolds is an Australian institution with a history and heritage that profoundly reflects Australia’s

journey from colonial settlement to the modern era. Established in 1844, Penfolds has played a pivotal

role in the evolution of winemaking in Australia and indeed, across the world. After early beginnings as

a provider of iron-rich tonic wines for Adelaide’s fledgling society, it became Australia’s largest producer

of fortified wines by the time of Australia’s Federation in 1901. The acquisition of the 19th century

planted Kalimna Vineyard on the western edge of the Barossa Valley in 1945 was a precursor to a

period of extraordinary ambition and innovation. The story of Grange is a modern tale of imagination,

a battle against the odds and redemption. Max Schubert, a then young inquisitive winemaker, travelled

to Europe after World War II to investigate winemaking. The mission was to learn about sherry

production but a side trip to Bordeaux led to the extraordinary development of Penfolds Grange

and the commercialisation of dry red table wines. The discovery of the relationship between pH and

wine stability by Penfolds scientist Dr Ray Beckwith, initially kept under strict wraps for commercial

advantage, eventually percolated through the wine industry worldwide. With the practical preventative

solution of using pH meters to a centuries-old problem of random deterioration, winemakers could now

protect the quality and consistency of their wines. Indeed the entire 1950s embraced major advances

in winemaking techniques from yeast technology to fermentation practices and new oak maturation.

However, it was not without set-backs. The order by ‘Head Office’ in Sydney to stop making the

revolutionary Grange, on account of bad press and expert feedback, lead to mutiny in the cellars at

Magill. Three successive vintages, 1957, 1958 and 1959 were hidden in the drives by Chief Winemaker

Max Schubert and his close-knit winemaking team. The all-clear was made with the resounding

success of 1955 Grange Hermitage on the Australian wine show circuit. By the early 1960s Chief

Winemaker Max Schubert oversaw the creation of a “dynasty of wines which may differ in character

from year to year, but all bear an unmistakable resemblance and relationship to each other.” Bin 28,

Bin 389 and Bin 707 were all commercialised during this period. Even John Davoren’s legendary St

Henri Claret, the alter ego of Grange and matured in older oak, shared a family resemblance. This

winemaking signature, developed and refined over decades, is known as the ‘Penfolds House Style’.

Under successive chief winemakers, Don Ditter, John Duval and Peter Gago, the Penfolds portfolio

of wines has remained true to the original blueprint. This is also a testament to the integrity and

collaborative effort of the longstanding Penfolds winemaking team. The strength of Penfolds is that

it is ‘all about the wine’.

tHE iNimitabLE aNDbEautiFuL PENFOLDS wiNESEvOkE tHE gENErOSity OFtHE auStraLiaN LaNDSCaPEaND a COmPELLiNgautHENtiCity DErivEDFrOm CrOSS-gENEratiONaLCraFtSmaNSHiP aND vaLuES.

ABOUT PENFOlDS

3

The Penfolds Bin range began with the first experimental bottling of 1951 Bin 1 Grange Hermitage,

a landmark wine that not only began a dynasty of Penfolds table wines but would also profoundly

influence fine wine making in Australia. The research and experimental work at Penfolds during the

1950s mirrored the secrecy and innovation surrounding the Space Race. The scientific discoveries

of Dr Ray Beckwith and new winemaking techniques of Max Schubert were kept under strict wraps.

As the Australian wine industry adjusted to a post war society and widespread consumer demand for

table wines, Penfolds enjoyed a significant commercial edge. In addition to its remarkable properties

around Adelaide, including the Grange and Auldana Vineyards at Magill, it had purchased the historic

Kalimna Vineyard in 1943 on the western edge of the Barossa Valley, vineyards in the Hunter Valley

and in Coonawarra. It also owned several distribution channels including wine bars and wine stores.

During the 1950s and 1960s Penfolds was a dominant force. With a ready-made market, the

development of the Bin range was a natural progression after the experimental work and release of

one-off bin releases, and commercial table wines during the 1950s. By the early 1960s Max Schubert

saw the creation of a “dynasty of wines” which bore “an unmistakable resemblance and relationship to

each other.” Bin 389, Bin 707, Bin 28 and Bin 128, first released during the late 1950s and early 1960s,

shared a common winemaking approach. Although sourced from different vineyards, the wines were

all vinified in headed-down open fermenters and completed fermentation in oak. They also shared

a similar approach to maturation where the wine was intermittently ‘racked & returned’ to optimise

exposure to air. The theory was that it would ‘toughen up’ the wine, improve its stability and longevity.

The success of these wines would not have happened without the development of Grange, which

established the recognisable ‘Penfolds House Style’. The expanded Bin range, built up over the last five

decades, continues to lie at the forefront of Australia’s fine wine narrative. Although there is a strong

Penfolds stamp, the character of the season and the inherent quality of the vineyards shine through.

HigHLigHtS FOr tHE 2011 PENFOLDS biNS rELEaSE

Conditions for the 2008 vintage provided the perfect environment to craft classic and exceptional

Penfolds wines. 2008 reflects impressive wines of great quality, colour and fruit intensity.

Penfolds Bin 150 Marananga Shiraz is a new wine to join the Bins collection. This wine celebrates a

single region within the Barossa Valley. The Marananga sub region has in the past and continues to

provide outstanding quality fruit which finds its way into some of our icon wines such as St Henri

and Grange.

Penfolds Bin 28 Kalimna Shiraz 2008: celebrates the 50th commercial release and one of our best

since 1998: A benchmark of Penfolds quality.

Penfolds Bin 389 Cabernet Shiraz 2008 is a stand out, balanced and muscular a classic Bin 389

Penfolds Bin 407 Cabernet Sauvignon is one of our strongest examples of this wine in years.

Penfolds Bins for the first time are being release on the first Thursday of March

—for the most optimum retail timing at launch.

tHE SuCCESS OF tHESEwiNES wOuLD NOt HavEHaPPENED witHOut tHEDEvELOPmENt OF graNgE,wHiCH EStabLiSHED tHErECOgNiSabLE ‘PENFOLDSHOuSE StyLE’.

BIN HISTORY & PHILOSOPHY

2011 PENFOLDS biNS rELEaSE

2008 Penfolds Bin 389 Cabernet Sauvignon Shiraz

NEw 2008 Penfolds Bin 150 Marananga Shiraz

2008 Penfolds Bin 407 Cabernet Sauvignon

50tH viNtagE 2008 Penfolds Bin 28 Kalimna® Shiraz

2009 Penfolds Bin 128 Coonawarra Shiraz

2009 Penfolds Bin 138 Grenache Shiraz Mourvèdre

2010 Penfolds Bin 23 Adelaide Hills Pinot Noir

2010 Penfolds Bin 311 Tumbarumba Chardonnay

5

[Change made to only this page]

The Penfolds Bin range began with the first experimental bottling of 1951 Bin 1 Grange Hermitage,

a landmark wine that not only began a dynasty of Penfolds table wines but would also profoundly

influence fine wine making in Australia. The research and experimental work at Penfolds during the

1950s mirrored the secrecy and innovation surrounding the Space Race. The scientific discoveries

of Dr Ray Beckwith and new winemaking techniques of Max Schubert were kept under strict wraps.

As the Australian wine industry adjusted to a post war society and widespread consumer demand for

table wines, Penfolds enjoyed a significant commercial edge. In addition to its remarkable properties

around Adelaide, including the Grange and Auldana Vineyards at Magill, it had purchased the historic

Kalimna Vineyard in 1943 on the western edge of the Barossa Valley, vineyards in the Hunter Valley

and in Coonawarra. It also owned several distribution channels including wine bars and wine stores.

During the 1950s and 1960s Penfolds was a dominant force. With a ready-made market, the

development of the Bin range was a natural progression after the experimental work and release of

one-off bin releases, and commercial table wines during the 1950s. By the early 1960s Max Schubert

saw the creation of a “dynasty of wines” which bore “an unmistakable resemblance and relationship to

each other.” Bin 389, Bin 707, Bin 28 and Bin 128, first released during the late 1950s and early 1960s,

shared a common winemaking approach. Although sourced from different vineyards, the wines were

all vinified in headed-down open fermenters and completed fermentation in oak. They also shared

a similar approach to maturation where the wine was intermittently ‘racked & returned’ to optimise

exposure to air. The theory was that it would ‘toughen up’ the wine, improve its stability and longevity.

The success of these wines would not have happened without the development of Grange, which

established the recognisable ‘Penfolds House Style’. The expanded Bin range, built up over the last five

decades, continues to lie at the forefront of Australia’s fine wine narrative. Although there is a strong

Penfolds stamp, the character of the season and the inherent quality of the vineyards shine through.

HigHLigHtS FOr tHE 2011 PENFOLDS biNS rELEaSE

Conditions for the 2008 vintage provided the perfect environment to craft classic and exceptional

Penfolds wines. 2008 reflects impressive wines of great quality, colour and fruit intensity.

Penfolds Bin 150 Marananga Shiraz is a new wine to join the Bins collection. This wine celebrates a

single region within the Barossa Valley. The Marananga sub region has in the past and continues to

provide outstanding quality fruit which finds its way into some of our icon wines such as St Henri

and Grange.

Penfolds Bin 28 Kalimna Shiraz 2008: celebrates the 50th commercial release and one of our best

since 1998: A benchmark of Penfolds quality.

Penfolds Bin 389 Cabernet Shiraz 2008 is a stand out, balanced and muscular a classic Bin 389

Penfolds Bin 407 Cabernet Sauvignon is one of our strongest examples of this wine in years.

Penfolds Bins for the first time are being release on the first Thursday of March

—for the most optimum retail timing at launch.

tHE SuCCESS OF tHESEwiNES wOuLD NOt HavEHaPPENED witHOut tHEDEvELOPmENt OF graNgE,wHiCH EStabLiSHED tHErECOgNiSabLE ‘PENFOLDSHOuSE StyLE’.

BIN HISTORY & PHILOSOPHY

2011 PENFOLDS biNS rELEaSE

2008 Penfolds Bin 389 Cabernet Sauvignon Shiraz

NEw 2008 Penfolds Bin 150 Marananga Shiraz

2008 Penfolds Bin 407 Cabernet Sauvignon

50tH viNtagE 2008 Penfolds Bin 28 Kalimna® Shiraz

2009 Penfolds Bin 128 Coonawarra Shiraz

2009 Penfolds Bin 138 Grenache Shiraz Mourvèdre

2010 Penfolds Bin 23 Adelaide Hills Pinot Noir

2010 Penfolds Bin 311 Tumbarumba Chardonnay

5

[Change made to only this page]

VINTAGE REPORTS

2009 viNtagE

Near-optimum rainfall over winter followed by dry mild conditions over spring provided an ideal start

to the growing season. Canopies developed well with minimal frost and no disease pressure. Strong

blustering winds over November in Coonawarra hindered flowering and fruit set. Summer was hot

with around four days of extreme heat. Cool conditions returned in February and March. Although

the crop was small, the overall quality was very good. In the Barossa, drought conditions and cold

weather prevailed throughout winter. Intermittent but generally light rains fell in December providing

the vines with much needed moisture. Although budburst was uneven, the canopies developed really

well. A ten day sustained heatwave at the end of January delayed veraison and caused some concern.

However milder, sometimes cool conditions running up to harvest allowed the fruit to ripen evenly

with balanced acidities and excellent tannin ripeness. 2009 is potentially another top Penfolds vintage.

The red wines have lovely freshness, intensity of fruit and concentration. Compared to 2008, they

are more elegantly structured, but with the balance, poise and lasting quality expected of a very fine

vintage. The elevated vineyards in the Adelaide Hills performed well above expectations. Although

vineyards experienced the same burst of extreme heat in late January, cool to mild weather combined

with intermittent top-up rains prevailed during the growing season.

The Chardonnay fruit was exceptional with superb aromatics, flavour and naturally balanced acidities.

Kym Schroeter said “2009 was an excellent Adelaide Hills vintage. Our Reserve Bin 09A Chardonnay

is typified by pearskin, white peach aromas, creamy flavours and razor sharp acidities. It doesn’t often

get better than this.”

2010 viNtagE

Peter Gago describes 2010 as “the much-awaited Millennium Vintage that arrived a decade late.”

The red winemaking team believe that it is the vintage of the decade. Steve Lienert says “2010 is a

transcendent vintage. The wines are very classic and beautifully proportioned.” After a wet, cold winter,

cool to mild conditions prevailed during the growing season. Open-canopy management and a longer

growing season allowed the fruit to ripen evenly with optimum flavour development, tannin ripeness

and balanced acidities. The early-release 2010 Bin 23 Adelaide Hills Pinot Noir is particularly generous,

laden with superb colour and vinosity. The 2010 Bin 311 Tumbarumba Chardonnay, fermented and

matured in older oak, is blended from high-altitude cool-climate fruit.

Penfolds has had an association with Tumbarumba since the early developmental work of Yattarna.

Located in the Snowy Mountains of New South Wales it enjoyed a long cool growing season in 2010.

Kym Schroeter says “Bin 311 is nowadays our only 100% New South Wales wine sourced solely from

high-altitude Tumbarumba fruit. The 2010 exemplifies the huge potential of these vineyards. Its

pristine fruit quality, freshness and minerality is usually reserved for wine at twice the price.”

2008 viNtagE

The colours, density, concentration and opulence of fruit tell the true story of the 2008 vintage. Record

heatwaves around harvest-time led to reserved opinions and conflicting media assessments. Some

commentators slammed the vintage before wines had even finished vinification. Despite a fifteen day

run of 35 degree + heat between the 3rd and 17th March, early ripening shiraz and cabernet sauvignon

from precious older, lower-yielding, self-regulating vines were mostly picked before the onslaught. Wet

weather over winter and spring resulted in optimum soil moistures and a perfect start to the growing

season. Much drier and hotter conditions prevailed over summer. In Coonawarra, proximity to the

Southern Ocean moderated the effect of the heatwave. Even with the freak hot weather, well-managed

vineyards performed above expectations. Although sunburn and berry shrivel were present, rigorous

harvesting and meticulous classification resulted in a swag of pristine fruit from Penfolds prime

vineyards in the Barossa, McLaren Vale and Coonawarra. Peter Gago has commented from the onset

that “2008 will be indelibly stamped as a vintage of two halves” and that Penfolds strived to prioritise

intake of better fruit parcels. Steve Lienert, Senior Red Winemaker and veteran of over 30 vintages

says “these are very big and rich wines with impressive fruit concentration. The deep colours, superb

aromatics and dense ripe tannins all point to a classic Penfolds vintage. The introduction of 2008 Bin

150 Marananga Shiraz, our first sub-regional Barossa blend for decades, illustrates our confidence

in the class of the wines.” High-altitude vineyards in Tumbarumba in New South Wales, did not

experience the unseasonably hot weather across southern Australia. 2008 Yattarna, further illustrates

the benefits of cross regional blending where components are individually vinified and matured before

assemblage and bottling. Kym Schroeter, senior white winemaker says “the fruit from our marginal

cool-climate sites were near-perfect. Although our Adelaide Hills vineyards struggled to some extent,

we found some exceptionally fresh and minerally parcels from our high-altitude vineyards, Henty in

Victoria and Coal River Valley in Tasmania. Here is an example where the finished wine represents

more than the sum of its parts. Our 2008 Yattarna is a cracker.”

“tHE iNtrODuCtiON OF 2008 biN 150 MaraNaNga SHiraz,Our FirSt Sub-rEgiONaLbarOSSa bLEND FOrDECaDES, iLLuStratES OurCONFiDENCE iN tHE CLaSS OFtHE wiNES.”

— StEvE LiENErt

9

VINTAGE REPORTS

2009 viNtagE

Near-optimum rainfall over winter followed by dry mild conditions over spring provided an ideal start

to the growing season. Canopies developed well with minimal frost and no disease pressure. Strong

blustering winds over November in Coonawarra hindered flowering and fruit set. Summer was hot

with around four days of extreme heat. Cool conditions returned in February and March. Although

the crop was small, the overall quality was very good. In the Barossa, drought conditions and cold

weather prevailed throughout winter. Intermittent but generally light rains fell in December providing

the vines with much needed moisture. Although budburst was uneven, the canopies developed really

well. A ten day sustained heatwave at the end of January delayed veraison and caused some concern.

However milder, sometimes cool conditions running up to harvest allowed the fruit to ripen evenly

with balanced acidities and excellent tannin ripeness. 2009 is potentially another top Penfolds vintage.

The red wines have lovely freshness, intensity of fruit and concentration. Compared to 2008, they

are more elegantly structured, but with the balance, poise and lasting quality expected of a very fine

vintage. The elevated vineyards in the Adelaide Hills performed well above expectations. Although

vineyards experienced the same burst of extreme heat in late January, cool to mild weather combined

with intermittent top-up rains prevailed during the growing season.

The Chardonnay fruit was exceptional with superb aromatics, flavour and naturally balanced acidities.

Kym Schroeter said “2009 was an excellent Adelaide Hills vintage. Our Reserve Bin 09A Chardonnay

is typified by pearskin, white peach aromas, creamy flavours and razor sharp acidities. It doesn’t often

get better than this.”

2010 viNtagE

Peter Gago describes 2010 as “the much-awaited Millennium Vintage that arrived a decade late.”

The red winemaking team believe that it is the vintage of the decade. Steve Lienert says “2010 is a

transcendent vintage. The wines are very classic and beautifully proportioned.” After a wet, cold winter,

cool to mild conditions prevailed during the growing season. Open-canopy management and a longer

growing season allowed the fruit to ripen evenly with optimum flavour development, tannin ripeness

and balanced acidities. The early-release 2010 Bin 23 Adelaide Hills Pinot Noir is particularly generous,

laden with superb colour and vinosity. The 2010 Bin 311 Tumbarumba Chardonnay, fermented and

matured in older oak, is blended from high-altitude cool-climate fruit.

Penfolds has had an association with Tumbarumba since the early developmental work of Yattarna.

Located in the Snowy Mountains of New South Wales it enjoyed a long cool growing season in 2010.

Kym Schroeter says “Bin 311 is nowadays our only 100% New South Wales wine sourced solely from

high-altitude Tumbarumba fruit. The 2010 exemplifies the huge potential of these vineyards. Its

pristine fruit quality, freshness and minerality is usually reserved for wine at twice the price.”

2008 viNtagE

The colours, density, concentration and opulence of fruit tell the true story of the 2008 vintage. Record

heatwaves around harvest-time led to reserved opinions and conflicting media assessments. Some

commentators slammed the vintage before wines had even finished vinification. Despite a fifteen day

run of 35 degree + heat between the 3rd and 17th March, early ripening shiraz and cabernet sauvignon

from precious older, lower-yielding, self-regulating vines were mostly picked before the onslaught. Wet

weather over winter and spring resulted in optimum soil moistures and a perfect start to the growing

season. Much drier and hotter conditions prevailed over summer. In Coonawarra, proximity to the

Southern Ocean moderated the effect of the heatwave. Even with the freak hot weather, well-managed

vineyards performed above expectations. Although sunburn and berry shrivel were present, rigorous

harvesting and meticulous classification resulted in a swag of pristine fruit from Penfolds prime

vineyards in the Barossa, McLaren Vale and Coonawarra. Peter Gago has commented from the onset

that “2008 will be indelibly stamped as a vintage of two halves” and that Penfolds strived to prioritise

intake of better fruit parcels. Steve Lienert, Senior Red Winemaker and veteran of over 30 vintages

says “these are very big and rich wines with impressive fruit concentration. The deep colours, superb

aromatics and dense ripe tannins all point to a classic Penfolds vintage. The introduction of 2008 Bin

150 Marananga Shiraz, our first sub-regional Barossa blend for decades, illustrates our confidence

in the class of the wines.” High-altitude vineyards in Tumbarumba in New South Wales, did not

experience the unseasonably hot weather across southern Australia. 2008 Yattarna, further illustrates

the benefits of cross regional blending where components are individually vinified and matured before

assemblage and bottling. Kym Schroeter, senior white winemaker says “the fruit from our marginal

cool-climate sites were near-perfect. Although our Adelaide Hills vineyards struggled to some extent,

we found some exceptionally fresh and minerally parcels from our high-altitude vineyards, Henty in

Victoria and Coal River Valley in Tasmania. Here is an example where the finished wine represents

more than the sum of its parts. Our 2008 Yattarna is a cracker.”

“tHE iNtrODuCtiON OF 2008 biN 150 MaraNaNga SHiraz,Our FirSt Sub-rEgiONaLbarOSSa bLEND FOrDECaDES, iLLuStratES OurCONFiDENCE iN tHE CLaSS OFtHE wiNES.”

— StEvE LiENErt

9

2008 PENFOLDS BIN 389 CABERNET SHIRAZ

First Vintage: 1960

Bin 389, named after its original ‘binning’ compartment at Penfolds Magill, was first produced in 1960.

This classic, much-loved and beautifully consistent Australian style epitomises Penfolds winemaking

philosophy and the benefits of cross-varietal/multi-regional blending. From the very start, Max

Schubert favoured warm climate fruit as a source for Bin 389. The early vintages were made from

vineyards around the Adelaide foothills including Magill, gradually and then almost entirely Barossa

Valley fruit and over the last twenty years from distinguished vineyards around South Australia

including the Barossa Valley, Coonawarra, Padthaway, McLaren Vale, Langhorne Creek, Clare Valley,

Robe and Bordertown. Some components of the blend complete fermentation in barrel to enhance

complexity, richness and integration of new oak. Bin 389 is matured in a combination of new (20-30%)

and one and two year old (70-80%) American ‘ex-Grange and Bin 707’ hogsheads for 18 months. With

its generous ripe dark chocolate/dark berry fruit profile, beautifully extracted flavours, fine grained

tannins and underlying malt oak, Bin 389 is the quintessential Penfolds red wine with a great track

record for cellaring. It is also affectionately known, in Australia, as ‘Poor Man’s Grange’ and is one of

the most popular wines on the Australian secondary wine market.

PRELIMINARY WINE COMMENTARY

2008 Bin 389 is a star-studded wine with all the hallmarks and lasting quality of a Vin de Garde.

Its saturated and deep colours, profoundly intense aromas, sustained powerful flavours and superb

balance are reminiscent of the great experimental wines of the 1960s especially the legendary Penfolds

Bin 7 Cabernet Shiraz. Comprising significant proportions of Coonawarra Cabernet and Barossa

Shiraz, it evokes the exhilarating experience of a natural fit where each variety adds something extra

to each other. With additional components from Wrattonbully, Langhorne Creek, McLaren Vale and

Padthaway, this wine fully articulates the 2008 Penfolds vintage. Although the growing season is

remembered for its 10 day long heatwave, the red winemaking team were very impressed by the quality

of fruit, flavour development and overall balance. Steve Lienert says “this is undoubtedly a significant

Penfolds vintage. At every stage of vinification and maturation we felt that the 2008 Bin 389 would be

something special.”

Peter Gago says “2008 Bin 389 Cabernet Shiraz epitomises the strength of Penfolds. Our entire focus

is on optimising the vintage by sourcing across a multitude of vineyards and regions. At Classification

we drill further down identifying suitable parcels for each style. At almost every stage of winemaking

there is a selection process, trial blend, or further refinement until we get it right. In 2008 we began

with impressive parcels of fruit. This is reflected in the end result; the finished blend.”

11

2008 PENFOLDS BIN 389 CABERNET SHIRAZ

First Vintage: 1960

Bin 389, named after its original ‘binning’ compartment at Penfolds Magill, was first produced in 1960.

This classic, much-loved and beautifully consistent Australian style epitomises Penfolds winemaking

philosophy and the benefits of cross-varietal/multi-regional blending. From the very start, Max

Schubert favoured warm climate fruit as a source for Bin 389. The early vintages were made from

vineyards around the Adelaide foothills including Magill, gradually and then almost entirely Barossa

Valley fruit and over the last twenty years from distinguished vineyards around South Australia

including the Barossa Valley, Coonawarra, Padthaway, McLaren Vale, Langhorne Creek, Clare Valley,

Robe and Bordertown. Some components of the blend complete fermentation in barrel to enhance

complexity, richness and integration of new oak. Bin 389 is matured in a combination of new (20-30%)

and one and two year old (70-80%) American ‘ex-Grange and Bin 707’ hogsheads for 18 months. With

its generous ripe dark chocolate/dark berry fruit profile, beautifully extracted flavours, fine grained

tannins and underlying malt oak, Bin 389 is the quintessential Penfolds red wine with a great track

record for cellaring. It is also affectionately known, in Australia, as ‘Poor Man’s Grange’ and is one of

the most popular wines on the Australian secondary wine market.

PRELIMINARY WINE COMMENTARY

2008 Bin 389 is a star-studded wine with all the hallmarks and lasting quality of a Vin de Garde.

Its saturated and deep colours, profoundly intense aromas, sustained powerful flavours and superb

balance are reminiscent of the great experimental wines of the 1960s especially the legendary Penfolds

Bin 7 Cabernet Shiraz. Comprising significant proportions of Coonawarra Cabernet and Barossa

Shiraz, it evokes the exhilarating experience of a natural fit where each variety adds something extra

to each other. With additional components from Wrattonbully, Langhorne Creek, McLaren Vale and

Padthaway, this wine fully articulates the 2008 Penfolds vintage. Although the growing season is

remembered for its 10 day long heatwave, the red winemaking team were very impressed by the quality

of fruit, flavour development and overall balance. Steve Lienert says “this is undoubtedly a significant

Penfolds vintage. At every stage of vinification and maturation we felt that the 2008 Bin 389 would be

something special.”

Peter Gago says “2008 Bin 389 Cabernet Shiraz epitomises the strength of Penfolds. Our entire focus

is on optimising the vintage by sourcing across a multitude of vineyards and regions. At Classification

we drill further down identifying suitable parcels for each style. At almost every stage of winemaking

there is a selection process, trial blend, or further refinement until we get it right. In 2008 we began

with impressive parcels of fruit. This is reflected in the end result; the finished blend.”

11

2008 PENFOlDS BIN 150MARANANGA SHIRAZ

First Vintage: 2008

The inaugural release of 2008 Bin 150 Marananga Shiraz emphasises Penfolds longstanding link with

the Barossa Valley. Since the 1940s the red winemaking team has drawn fruit from the region’s north

western fringe including Greenock, Kalimna and Marananga. Many of the Barossa Valley’s oldest and

famous vineyards are located in this area, including Penfolds historic Block 42 Vineyard at Kalimna.

Bin 150 which takes its name from Barrel Stack 150 at Penfolds winery in Nuriootpa, derives principally

from dry-grown and low yielding vines, planted on shallow sandy loams and red-brown soils.

The 2008 Bin 150 Shiraz is Penfolds first stand-alone Barossa sub-region wine. The wine is made in

the traditional Penfolds method.

Winemaker Steve lienert says “the old timers really knew where to plant the best vineyards. The fruit

quality from some of these blocks is about as a good as you can possibly get around here.”

PRELIMINARY WINE COMMENTARY

Small berries, deep colours, intense aromas and juicy concentrated flavours are typical characteristics

of Marananga Shiraz. In previous vintages this material was used to bolster up stablemates Bin 389

Cabernet Shiraz, RWT Shiraz and sometimes Grange.

After vinification in headed down static stainless steel fermenters the wine primarily completes

fermentation in a combination of new (50%) and seasoned American and French oak hogsheads. The

wine is then matured in the same barrels for around 18 months. Senior Red Winemaker Steve lienert

says “normally, when we look at the components from Marananga, we are thinking about blending

options for Penfolds Bin or luxury range.”

With access to more fruit, from both old and newer but mature vineyards, we believed it was possible

to make an individual wine without compromising the integrity of our existing range. 2008 was a great

Penfolds vintage and Marananga Shiraz was a stand-out performer.”

Peter Gago says “Bin 150 Marananga Shiraz defines our forever-evolving approach to viticulture and

winemaking. It exemplifies years of experience, considerable skill, teamwork and intuition. I am sure

some of the parcels could have made the grade for wines further up the totem pole. However it is the

final composition and voice of the wine that matters in the end. 2008 Bin 150 Marananga Shiraz is a

distinct heartland Barossa style with a clear Penfolds house signature. This wine has a beautiful lasting

quality and will repay cellaring.”

13

2008 PENFOlDS BIN 150MARANANGA SHIRAZ

First Vintage: 2008

The inaugural release of 2008 Bin 150 Marananga Shiraz emphasises Penfolds longstanding link with

the Barossa Valley. Since the 1940s the red winemaking team has drawn fruit from the region’s north

western fringe including Greenock, Kalimna and Marananga. Many of the Barossa Valley’s oldest and

famous vineyards are located in this area, including Penfolds historic Block 42 Vineyard at Kalimna.

Bin 150 which takes its name from Barrel Stack 150 at Penfolds winery in Nuriootpa, derives principally

from dry-grown and low yielding vines, planted on shallow sandy loams and red-brown soils.

The 2008 Bin 150 Shiraz is Penfolds first stand-alone Barossa sub-region wine. The wine is made in

the traditional Penfolds method.

Winemaker Steve lienert says “the old timers really knew where to plant the best vineyards. The fruit

quality from some of these blocks is about as a good as you can possibly get around here.”

PRELIMINARY WINE COMMENTARY

Small berries, deep colours, intense aromas and juicy concentrated flavours are typical characteristics

of Marananga Shiraz. In previous vintages this material was used to bolster up stablemates Bin 389

Cabernet Shiraz, RWT Shiraz and sometimes Grange.

After vinification in headed down static stainless steel fermenters the wine primarily completes

fermentation in a combination of new (50%) and seasoned American and French oak hogsheads. The

wine is then matured in the same barrels for around 18 months. Senior Red Winemaker Steve lienert

says “normally, when we look at the components from Marananga, we are thinking about blending

options for Penfolds Bin or luxury range.”

With access to more fruit, from both old and newer but mature vineyards, we believed it was possible

to make an individual wine without compromising the integrity of our existing range. 2008 was a great

Penfolds vintage and Marananga Shiraz was a stand-out performer.”

Peter Gago says “Bin 150 Marananga Shiraz defines our forever-evolving approach to viticulture and

winemaking. It exemplifies years of experience, considerable skill, teamwork and intuition. I am sure

some of the parcels could have made the grade for wines further up the totem pole. However it is the

final composition and voice of the wine that matters in the end. 2008 Bin 150 Marananga Shiraz is a

distinct heartland Barossa style with a clear Penfolds house signature. This wine has a beautiful lasting

quality and will repay cellaring.”

13

2008 PENFOLDS BIN 407 CABERNET SAUVIGNON

First Vintage: 1990

Bin 407 Cabernet Sauvignon, as its Bin number suggests, is related in style to the rich and opulent

Bin 707 Cabernet Sauvignon. The wine was developed in response to the increasing availability of

high-quality Cabernet Sauvignon fruit and mounting pressure from the market for a versatile wine

that could be enjoyed for immediate drinking or could develop well in the cellar. First produced in

1990, it is an important Penfolds house style wine based on rigorous selection of multi-regional fruit

and the flexible use of French and American oak maturation. The fruit is often primarily sourced from

the Limestone Coast including Coonawarra, Robe and Bordertown. Selected parcels from the Clare

Valley, Barossa Valley and McLaren Vale are sometimes used to achieve consistency. The overall wine

making philosophy follows similar lines to Bin 389 down to the maturation of Bin 407 in second-use

Bin 707 hogsheads.

PRELIMINARY WINE COMMENTARY

The wine is vinified in open stainless steel tanks with wax-lined wooden header boards; a traditional

Penfolds technique. Some components are barrel fermented in new French and American oak to

increase complexity and blending options. After fermentation the wine is matured for 12 months in

a combination of new French (15%) and American (15%) oak; the remainder is aged in one and two

year old French and American oak. Bin 407 Cabernet Sauvignon is a fresh elegant style with clear

varietal blackcurrant/cassis aromas, fine grained firm tannins and underlying cedary/savoury oak.

Further cellaring for around four to six years allows the wine to develop further richness, volume and

bottle complexity. The best vintages have tremendous lasting power. 2008 Bin 407 derives from the

south-eastern corner of South Australia. Coonawarra, Robe, Wrattonbully and Padthaway all enjoy

the moderating maritime effect of the Great Southern Ocean. Senior Winemaker Steve Lienert says

“the deep colour, sheen, richness and buoyancy of the wine suggest this could be one of the very best

of this series.”

15

2008 PENFOLDS BIN 407 CABERNET SAUVIGNON

First Vintage: 1990

Bin 407 Cabernet Sauvignon, as its Bin number suggests, is related in style to the rich and opulent

Bin 707 Cabernet Sauvignon. The wine was developed in response to the increasing availability of

high-quality Cabernet Sauvignon fruit and mounting pressure from the market for a versatile wine

that could be enjoyed for immediate drinking or could develop well in the cellar. First produced in

1990, it is an important Penfolds house style wine based on rigorous selection of multi-regional fruit

and the flexible use of French and American oak maturation. The fruit is often primarily sourced from

the Limestone Coast including Coonawarra, Robe and Bordertown. Selected parcels from the Clare

Valley, Barossa Valley and McLaren Vale are sometimes used to achieve consistency. The overall wine

making philosophy follows similar lines to Bin 389 down to the maturation of Bin 407 in second-use

Bin 707 hogsheads.

PRELIMINARY WINE COMMENTARY

The wine is vinified in open stainless steel tanks with wax-lined wooden header boards; a traditional

Penfolds technique. Some components are barrel fermented in new French and American oak to

increase complexity and blending options. After fermentation the wine is matured for 12 months in

a combination of new French (15%) and American (15%) oak; the remainder is aged in one and two

year old French and American oak. Bin 407 Cabernet Sauvignon is a fresh elegant style with clear

varietal blackcurrant/cassis aromas, fine grained firm tannins and underlying cedary/savoury oak.

Further cellaring for around four to six years allows the wine to develop further richness, volume and

bottle complexity. The best vintages have tremendous lasting power. 2008 Bin 407 derives from the

south-eastern corner of South Australia. Coonawarra, Robe, Wrattonbully and Padthaway all enjoy

the moderating maritime effect of the Great Southern Ocean. Senior Winemaker Steve Lienert says

“the deep colour, sheen, richness and buoyancy of the wine suggest this could be one of the very best

of this series.”

15

First Vintage: 1959

Penfolds Bin 28 Kalimna Shiraz is one of the most enduring and popular of Penfolds Bin wines. It

has universal appeal because of its intense fruit definition, ripe fleshy palate structure and generosity

of flavour. The earliest releases were single-vineyard wines made from the renowned 19th-Century

Kalimna Vineyard acquired by Penfolds in 1945. A few years ago Penfolds unearthed bottles of

the previously unrecorded 1959 vintage, replete with Penfolds label and badging. The existence of

these bottles suggests that development of Penfolds Bin wines started at around the same time when

Max Schubert was asked to stop making Grange. It makes Bin 28 the earliest Bin-range wine within

Penfolds’ portfolio. The release of 2008 Bin 28 Shiraz celebrates the 50th vintage of this important

South Australian wine.

Many of the vinification techniques originated from the development of Grange including the use of

open headed-down fermenters and barrel fermentation. It is understood the very first vintages of Bin

28 were matured in a proportion of new oak. However the style has evolved where fruit complexity and

natural tannin structure are essential elements. The wine is nowadays matured in one and two year

old American and French oak hogsheads.

It is probably the most reliable and consistent of wines within its class. Hence Bin 28 Kalimna Shiraz

can be found from the finest restaurants in london, New York or Moscow to a dusty outback pub in

the Northern Territory. The wine has received numerous awards at various international wine shows

around the world including the International Wine Challenge in london. Peter Gago says “Bin 28

Shiraz provides momentum within the Penfolds portfolio. If we can keep making a wine at this quality

and pricing, it means we must further add-value and something extra to our other Bin wines.”

PRELIMINARY WINE COMMENTARY

Bin 28 Kalimna Shiraz has very clear ripe fruit definition, with plenty of fruit volume, ripe tannin

structure and no new oak. It’s a richer style than Bin 128. The wine has a reputation for improving

with medium term cellaring although it also offers early drinkability. In exceptional vintages these

wines can age for the long term. From the 2004 vintage, in several markets, Bin 28 is now available

with a screw cap.

Peter Gago says “2008 Bin 28 still comprises a substantial and majority proportion of Barossa Shiraz.

Other components come from langhorne Creek, Mclaren Vale and Padthaway. This has to be one

of the finest vintages of the decade.”

17

2008 PENFOlDS BIN 28 KAlIMNA® SHIRAZ

First Vintage: 1959

Penfolds Bin 28 Kalimna Shiraz is one of the most enduring and popular of Penfolds Bin wines. It

has universal appeal because of its intense fruit definition, ripe fleshy palate structure and generosity

of flavour. The earliest releases were single-vineyard wines made from the renowned 19th-Century

Kalimna Vineyard acquired by Penfolds in 1945. A few years ago Penfolds unearthed bottles of

the previously unrecorded 1959 vintage, replete with Penfolds label and badging. The existence of

these bottles suggests that development of Penfolds Bin wines started at around the same time when

Max Schubert was asked to stop making Grange. It makes Bin 28 the earliest Bin-range wine within

Penfolds’ portfolio. The release of 2008 Bin 28 Shiraz celebrates the 50th vintage of this important

South Australian wine.

Many of the vinification techniques originated from the development of Grange including the use of

open headed-down fermenters and barrel fermentation. It is understood the very first vintages of Bin

28 were matured in a proportion of new oak. However the style has evolved where fruit complexity and

natural tannin structure are essential elements. The wine is nowadays matured in one and two year

old American and French oak hogsheads.

It is probably the most reliable and consistent of wines within its class. Hence Bin 28 Kalimna Shiraz

can be found from the finest restaurants in london, New York or Moscow to a dusty outback pub in

the Northern Territory. The wine has received numerous awards at various international wine shows

around the world including the International Wine Challenge in london. Peter Gago says “Bin 28

Shiraz provides momentum within the Penfolds portfolio. If we can keep making a wine at this quality

and pricing, it means we must further add-value and something extra to our other Bin wines.”

PRELIMINARY WINE COMMENTARY

Bin 28 Kalimna Shiraz has very clear ripe fruit definition, with plenty of fruit volume, ripe tannin

structure and no new oak. It’s a richer style than Bin 128. The wine has a reputation for improving

with medium term cellaring although it also offers early drinkability. In exceptional vintages these

wines can age for the long term. From the 2004 vintage, in several markets, Bin 28 is now available

with a screw cap.

Peter Gago says “2008 Bin 28 still comprises a substantial and majority proportion of Barossa Shiraz.

Other components come from langhorne Creek, Mclaren Vale and Padthaway. This has to be one

of the finest vintages of the decade.”

17

2008 PENFOlDS BIN 28 KAlIMNA® SHIRAZ

2009 PENFOlDS BIN 128 COONAWARRA SHIRAZ

First Vintage: 1962

The original release of 1962 Penfolds Bin 128 reflected the perceived view of the day that Shiraz was

a more reliable performer in Coonawarra. The wine has been made every year regardless of vintage

conditions; winemaking practice and philosophy is essentially no different to the first vintage releases.

The fruit is sourced mostly from Penfolds extensive holdings of prime mature vineyards (over 100

hectares). The success of early vintages helped put Coonawarra on the map. During the 1960s and

early 1970s the grapes were crushed with the aid of an old car engine in a tin shed; the wine pumps

were operated with steam.

Over the last few decades Penfolds has invested heavily into reconfiguring its vineyards, initiating better

canopy, block management and adopting new data gathering technologies. A gradual changeover from

American to French oak between 1979 and 1983 has resulted in a compellingly consistent regional style

wine. Vinification follows the traditional Penfolds winemaking philosophy. The wine is transferred into

new and used French oak hogsheads to finish fermentation. The wine is matured in approximately

20% new, 80% one and two years old tightly grained French oak for a period of about 12 months prior

to bottling.

Maturation philosophy has evolved to optimise the pristine pastille-like fruit quality of Coonawarra

Shiraz. Traditionally Penfolds ages its wine in barrel with bungs in the 12 o’clock position. This allows

regular topping and concordant ingestion of oxygen. About 25% of Bin 128 is nowadays matured in

the 3 o’clock position to preserve the exuberance of adolescent Coonawarra Shiraz. When blended

together the style is typically fresh with pure ripe red and blackberry fruits/spicy aromas, mature loose-

knit structure and underlying savoury French oak. The gentle autumnal fruit aromas, cedary oak notes

and fine-grained tannins are classic characteristics of this wine.

PRELIMINARY WINE COMMENTARY

Peter Gago reflects “Coonawarra performed well in 2009. The berries were very small and the flavours

were intense and concentrated. Bin 128 is one of our first 2009 reds to be released into the market. We’ll

wait to see how long it takes for drinkers to recognise the class of this vintage. Is this another ’99?!! We

are all very happy with the results so far!”

2009 Bin 128 Shiraz is a young and exuberant wine that offers superb versatility as an easy early-

drinking style or a medium term cellaring proposition. The fruit and oak are perfectly harmonised.

Typically a wine like this can age up to around 15 years developing superb fruit complexity, rich

paneforte flavours and velvety textures.

There is a selection process, trial blend, or further refinement until we get it right. In 2008 we began

with impressive parcels of fruit. This is reflected in the end result; the finished blend.”

19

2009 PENFOlDS BIN 128 COONAWARRA SHIRAZ

First Vintage: 1962

The original release of 1962 Penfolds Bin 128 reflected the perceived view of the day that Shiraz was

a more reliable performer in Coonawarra. The wine has been made every year regardless of vintage

conditions; winemaking practice and philosophy is essentially no different to the first vintage releases.

The fruit is sourced mostly from Penfolds extensive holdings of prime mature vineyards (over 100

hectares). The success of early vintages helped put Coonawarra on the map. During the 1960s and

early 1970s the grapes were crushed with the aid of an old car engine in a tin shed; the wine pumps

were operated with steam.

Over the last few decades Penfolds has invested heavily into reconfiguring its vineyards, initiating better

canopy, block management and adopting new data gathering technologies. A gradual changeover from

American to French oak between 1979 and 1983 has resulted in a compellingly consistent regional style

wine. Vinification follows the traditional Penfolds winemaking philosophy. The wine is transferred into

new and used French oak hogsheads to finish fermentation. The wine is matured in approximately

20% new, 80% one and two years old tightly grained French oak for a period of about 12 months prior

to bottling.

Maturation philosophy has evolved to optimise the pristine pastille-like fruit quality of Coonawarra

Shiraz. Traditionally Penfolds ages its wine in barrel with bungs in the 12 o’clock position. This allows

regular topping and concordant ingestion of oxygen. About 25% of Bin 128 is nowadays matured in

the 3 o’clock position to preserve the exuberance of adolescent Coonawarra Shiraz. When blended

together the style is typically fresh with pure ripe red and blackberry fruits/spicy aromas, mature loose-

knit structure and underlying savoury French oak. The gentle autumnal fruit aromas, cedary oak notes

and fine-grained tannins are classic characteristics of this wine.

PRELIMINARY WINE COMMENTARY

Peter Gago reflects “Coonawarra performed well in 2009. The berries were very small and the flavours

were intense and concentrated. Bin 128 is one of our first 2009 reds to be released into the market. We’ll

wait to see how long it takes for drinkers to recognise the class of this vintage. Is this another ’99?!! We

are all very happy with the results so far!”

2009 Bin 128 Shiraz is a young and exuberant wine that offers superb versatility as an easy early-

drinking style or a medium term cellaring proposition. The fruit and oak are perfectly harmonised.

Typically a wine like this can age up to around 15 years developing superb fruit complexity, rich

paneforte flavours and velvety textures.

There is a selection process, trial blend, or further refinement until we get it right. In 2008 we began

with impressive parcels of fruit. This is reflected in the end result; the finished blend.”

19

2009 PENFOlDS BIN 138 GRENACHE SHIRAZ MOURVèDRE

First Vintage: 1992 (elevated to the Bin range in 1998)

Penfolds Bin 138 Grenache Shiraz Mourvèdre is a traditional Barossa Valley blend based on old vine

material going as far back as 1895. It was first released in response to an increasing international

interest in regional wines and the resurgence in popularity of the Barossa. This generous and flavourful

style has since become extremely popular for its heady perfume, seamless texture and gorgeous fruit

definition. The musky fragrance, fruit generosity and seductive flavours of Grenache are central to the

style. However these characters are tempered and balanced by the inky coloured, chocolaty smooth

texture of Shiraz and the spicy top notes and savoury tannins of Mourvèdre. Although Bin 138 is

very much a fruit-driven style, the ample tannin structures and overall richness will allow the wine

to benefit from further aging. Many older vintages have softened in texture with earthy/demi-glace/

paneforte nuances.

Bin 138 fruit is sourced from low-yielding vineyards on the north western fringe of the Barossa Valley

around Greenock, Kalimna, Moppa, Ebenezer, Marananga and Stonewell. During the turn-of-the

20th century many of these older vineyards supplied fruit mainly for fortified wine production. It

was not until after World War II that the mainstream market began switching to table wines. It is a

combination of colonial vision and happenstance that Grenache, Shiraz and Mataro (as Mourvèdre

was then called) were planted in the Barossa. Some of the oldest genetic material, first sourced from

the Rhone Valley by early settlers, is found in this region. It is Penfolds good fortune to have access to

the Barossa’s great inheritance.

PRELIMINARY WINE COMMENTARY

Blended together Grenache, Shiraz and Mourvèdre can make a sublime wine with great personality

and structure. Vinification takes place in open stainless steel fermenters followed by maturation for 15

months in seasoned American and French hogsheads. The various components are blended together

just prior to bottling. This is because each variety ripens at different stages of vintage. Picking dates

between the first batches of Shiraz and the last parcels of Mourvèdre can be as much as two months.

Vinification or blending cannot take place until all the components have individually completed primary

and secondary fermentation and maturation. Steve lienert observes “it’s always best to keep an eye on

the maturation of the Grenache outside of the blend as it can develop differently to the other varieties!”

Peter Gago says “Bin 138 is a riot of aromas and flavours; an entanglement of fruit personalities and

Barossan terroirs. The contribution of each variety is sotto voce yet the wine evokes the richness and

generosity of the Barossa landscape.”

21

2009 PENFOlDS BIN 138 GRENACHE SHIRAZ MOURVèDRE

First Vintage: 1992 (elevated to the Bin range in 1998)

Penfolds Bin 138 Grenache Shiraz Mourvèdre is a traditional Barossa Valley blend based on old vine

material going as far back as 1895. It was first released in response to an increasing international

interest in regional wines and the resurgence in popularity of the Barossa. This generous and flavourful

style has since become extremely popular for its heady perfume, seamless texture and gorgeous fruit

definition. The musky fragrance, fruit generosity and seductive flavours of Grenache are central to the

style. However these characters are tempered and balanced by the inky coloured, chocolaty smooth

texture of Shiraz and the spicy top notes and savoury tannins of Mourvèdre. Although Bin 138 is

very much a fruit-driven style, the ample tannin structures and overall richness will allow the wine

to benefit from further aging. Many older vintages have softened in texture with earthy/demi-glace/

paneforte nuances.

Bin 138 fruit is sourced from low-yielding vineyards on the north western fringe of the Barossa Valley

around Greenock, Kalimna, Moppa, Ebenezer, Marananga and Stonewell. During the turn-of-the

20th century many of these older vineyards supplied fruit mainly for fortified wine production. It

was not until after World War II that the mainstream market began switching to table wines. It is a

combination of colonial vision and happenstance that Grenache, Shiraz and Mataro (as Mourvèdre

was then called) were planted in the Barossa. Some of the oldest genetic material, first sourced from

the Rhone Valley by early settlers, is found in this region. It is Penfolds good fortune to have access to

the Barossa’s great inheritance.

PRELIMINARY WINE COMMENTARY

Blended together Grenache, Shiraz and Mourvèdre can make a sublime wine with great personality

and structure. Vinification takes place in open stainless steel fermenters followed by maturation for 15

months in seasoned American and French hogsheads. The various components are blended together

just prior to bottling. This is because each variety ripens at different stages of vintage. Picking dates

between the first batches of Shiraz and the last parcels of Mourvèdre can be as much as two months.

Vinification or blending cannot take place until all the components have individually completed primary

and secondary fermentation and maturation. Steve lienert observes “it’s always best to keep an eye on

the maturation of the Grenache outside of the blend as it can develop differently to the other varieties!”

Peter Gago says “Bin 138 is a riot of aromas and flavours; an entanglement of fruit personalities and

Barossan terroirs. The contribution of each variety is sotto voce yet the wine evokes the richness and

generosity of the Barossa landscape.”

21

2010 PENFOlDS BIN 23 ADElAIDE HIllS PINOT NOIR

First Vintage: 2009

Penfolds Bin 23 Adelaide Hills Pinot Noir is sourced from around twenty vineyards scattered around

the elevated slopes of the Adelaide Hills. The Bin number is derived from maturation Cellar 23 at

the historic Penfolds Magill Estate, where the wine is vinified. Peter Gago says “Bin 23 was developed

after the success of our limited edition Cellar Reserve Adelaide Hills Pinot Noir. This second release

epitomises the superb fruit definition of cool-climate Adelaide Hills Pinot Noir and the Penfolds style.

After partial light crushing, the must is cold-soaked and batch-vinified in small open fermenters.

Approximately 15% of whole bunches are added, with their stalks. The free-run wine is then racked

into a combination of new (around 35%) and seasoned French oak barriques for around 10 months

before bottling. To date, no pressings have been added back to the blend, as the pre-ferment cold-soak

appears to poach more than its fair share from the skins! The wine is a distinctive Penfolds style made

for Penfolds drinkers who enjoy richly textured wines offering generosity of fruit and flavour length.

Typically it is saturated in colour, with dark cherry/brambly/cedar aromas, plenty of juicy Pinot fruit,

richness, chocolaty tannins and underlying new oak.”

PRELIMINARY WINE COMMENTARY

2010 Penfolds Bin 23 Adelaide Hills Pinot Noir is a contemporary and archetypal Penfolds style.

This Pinot Noir is not for the faint hearted! Chief Winemaker Peter Gago says “this is unashamedly

a Penfolds red wine. No attempt has been made to create a Burgundian look-alike. This is a rich

voluminous style with heightened aromatics and fruit density. Although it’s made for relatively early

drinking the overall concentration and balance suggests that it does have medium term cellaring

potential.”

23

2010 PENFOlDS BIN 23 ADElAIDE HIllS PINOT NOIR

First Vintage: 2009

Penfolds Bin 23 Adelaide Hills Pinot Noir is sourced from around twenty vineyards scattered around

the elevated slopes of the Adelaide Hills. The Bin number is derived from maturation Cellar 23 at

the historic Penfolds Magill Estate, where the wine is vinified. Peter Gago says “Bin 23 was developed

after the success of our limited edition Cellar Reserve Adelaide Hills Pinot Noir. This second release

epitomises the superb fruit definition of cool-climate Adelaide Hills Pinot Noir and the Penfolds style.

After partial light crushing, the must is cold-soaked and batch-vinified in small open fermenters.

Approximately 15% of whole bunches are added, with their stalks. The free-run wine is then racked

into a combination of new (around 35%) and seasoned French oak barriques for around 10 months

before bottling. To date, no pressings have been added back to the blend, as the pre-ferment cold-soak

appears to poach more than its fair share from the skins! The wine is a distinctive Penfolds style made

for Penfolds drinkers who enjoy richly textured wines offering generosity of fruit and flavour length.

Typically it is saturated in colour, with dark cherry/brambly/cedar aromas, plenty of juicy Pinot fruit,

richness, chocolaty tannins and underlying new oak.”

PRELIMINARY WINE COMMENTARY

2010 Penfolds Bin 23 Adelaide Hills Pinot Noir is a contemporary and archetypal Penfolds style.

This Pinot Noir is not for the faint hearted! Chief Winemaker Peter Gago says “this is unashamedly

a Penfolds red wine. No attempt has been made to create a Burgundian look-alike. This is a rich

voluminous style with heightened aromatics and fruit density. Although it’s made for relatively early

drinking the overall concentration and balance suggests that it does have medium term cellaring

potential.”

23

2010 PENFOlDS BIN 311 TUMBARUMBA CHARDONNAY

First Vintage: 2005

Penfolds Bin 311 Chardonnay is based on the best procurable cool-climate fruit from New South Wales.

The vineyards are located in some of the most elevated sub-regions of the State around Tumbarumba,

on the southern slopes of the Snowy Mountains. This relatively new viticultural region is showing

extraordinary promise. In Tumbarumba, the first vineyards were developed for sparkling wine

production. In the 1990s winemakers began to notice, during the ongoing development of icon wine

Bin 144 Yattarna Chardonnay, that these maturing vineyards, planted on granitic soils, could yield

consistently exquisite fruit, with superb aromatics, creamy flavours and natural acid balance. Some

parcels from Tumbarumba were used in the blend to bring extra fruit complexity and minerality.

Penfolds Bin 311 Chardonnay is an offshoot of Yattarna. Through the identification of new vineyards,

improved vineyard management, experimental vinification, maturation and trial blending, the white

winemaking team has developed a distinctive hallmark Penfolds style that evokes Max Schubert’s

“dynasty of wines (which) may differ in character from year to year, but all bear an unmistakable

resemblance and relationship to each other.” Although vineyard site is an important aspect of

winemaking philosophy, winemakers will always ‘go where the fruit grows best and where it best suits

style’. Excited by the increasing sophistication and excellence of Yattarna, the development of Bin 311

was an obvious progression. In many respects it mirrors the release of Bin 389 after the longstanding

research and experimentation of Grange. Winemaker Kym Schroeter says “Bin 311 Chardonnay shares

many similar characteristics to Yattarna. A cool-climate fruit profile, freshness, minerality and vinosity

are a common thread.”

PRELIMINARY WINE COMMENTARY

Bin 311 Chardonnay is barrel fermented and then matured for around 11 months in seasoned French

oak barriques, previously used for the maturation of Yattarna. Battonage, or lees stirring, is regularly

carried out to build up overall palate richness and flavour complexity. Typically the wine has fragrant

pear skin/white peach/nectarine aromas, underlying flinty notes, beautiful concentration, creamy

textures and long fresh mineral acidity. Sealed under screw cap, to preserve freshness, this wine is

delicious to drink now, or it can be cellared for a while.

25

2010 PENFOlDS BIN 311 TUMBARUMBA CHARDONNAY

First Vintage: 2005

Penfolds Bin 311 Chardonnay is based on the best procurable cool-climate fruit from New South Wales.

The vineyards are located in some of the most elevated sub-regions of the State around Tumbarumba,

on the southern slopes of the Snowy Mountains. This relatively new viticultural region is showing

extraordinary promise. In Tumbarumba, the first vineyards were developed for sparkling wine

production. In the 1990s winemakers began to notice, during the ongoing development of icon wine

Bin 144 Yattarna Chardonnay, that these maturing vineyards, planted on granitic soils, could yield

consistently exquisite fruit, with superb aromatics, creamy flavours and natural acid balance. Some

parcels from Tumbarumba were used in the blend to bring extra fruit complexity and minerality.

Penfolds Bin 311 Chardonnay is an offshoot of Yattarna. Through the identification of new vineyards,

improved vineyard management, experimental vinification, maturation and trial blending, the white

winemaking team has developed a distinctive hallmark Penfolds style that evokes Max Schubert’s

“dynasty of wines (which) may differ in character from year to year, but all bear an unmistakable

resemblance and relationship to each other.” Although vineyard site is an important aspect of

winemaking philosophy, winemakers will always ‘go where the fruit grows best and where it best suits

style’. Excited by the increasing sophistication and excellence of Yattarna, the development of Bin 311

was an obvious progression. In many respects it mirrors the release of Bin 389 after the longstanding

research and experimentation of Grange. Winemaker Kym Schroeter says “Bin 311 Chardonnay shares

many similar characteristics to Yattarna. A cool-climate fruit profile, freshness, minerality and vinosity

are a common thread.”

PRELIMINARY WINE COMMENTARY

Bin 311 Chardonnay is barrel fermented and then matured for around 11 months in seasoned French

oak barriques, previously used for the maturation of Yattarna. Battonage, or lees stirring, is regularly

carried out to build up overall palate richness and flavour complexity. Typically the wine has fragrant

pear skin/white peach/nectarine aromas, underlying flinty notes, beautiful concentration, creamy

textures and long fresh mineral acidity. Sealed under screw cap, to preserve freshness, this wine is

delicious to drink now, or it can be cellared for a while.

25

Penfolds2011 Bin release

For one month a year, there is no other wine.

PENFOLDS CELLar DOOrSPenfolds Magill Estate78 Penfold Road, Magill SA 5072

Penfolds Barossa ValleyTanunda Road, Nuriootpa SA 5355

PENFOLDS HEaD OFFiCE77 Southbank BoulevardSouthbank VIC 3006

CONSumEr iNFOrmatiON1300 651 650

PLEaSE CONtaCt yOur FOStErSrEPrESENtativE FOr FurtHEr iNFOrmatiON

www.penfolds.com

3652

7F10

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