Penfolds Bin 150 Marananga Shiraz 2017 750ml

Bin 150 Marananga Shiraz is a sub-regional expression that is unmistakably Penfolds in character. Conceived from the ancient soils of Marananga, which lie very close to the centre of the Barossa Valley floor – slightly to the North West, where warm dry conditions and rich red soil provide the backbone to some of the region’s best-known wines.

Each release delivers a contemporary shiraz alternative, framed by a mix of oaks; French and American, old and new – crafted in accordance with the traditional Penfolds method.

Colour – Black core, garnet edges

Nose – An aromatic jigsaw:
• The expected (place, variety, style): Formic, bayleaf, fig, quince, black-pudding.
• The unexpected (synergy?): Cookies and cream, Golden Gaytime ice-cream.
• The incredulous (sensory overload?): Iced coffee, sticky date-pudding, shortbread.
To confirm and reassure – Yes, it is shiraz, and yes, Barossa sourced (Marananga)! The descriptor calories cannot be ingested!

Palate Certainly less confected (literally) and meatier than the nose might suggest – flavours akin to Greek lamb and rosemary, bone marrow/steak tartare, carpaccio of assorted meats. Yet fruits and berries are evident, manifested primarily via an impression of a juniper/strawberry/cranberry reduction. And cola. Sleek tannins and the interface of judicious oak facilitate a plush and glossy Bin 150 disposition, avec sheen.