2008 Australia

A blend of 98% Shiraz with a touch of Cabernet Sauvignon from across vineyards in the Barossa Valley, Clare Valley, and Magill Estate. Matured for 19 months in new American oak hogsheads.

First vintage since 1976 to be awarded 100 points by the Wine Advocate 2008 was an early harvest.  A seamless growing season with steady, early season growth, followed by cool, dry conditions at the start of summer, and the anticipated rise in temperatures from the New Year. A vintage where the oldest vines with balanced canopies capitalised on the perfect growing conditions before the highest temperatures arrived.

The 2008 vintage of Bin 169 Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon is the inaugural re-release of this label - modelled on the earlier ‘one-off’ 1973 Bin 169. The creation of Bin 169 reflects a contemporary Penfolds winemaking approach, emphasising both regionality and maturation of Cabernet Sauvignon in fine-grained French oak.

An honest reflection of the region and a testament to Penfolds longstanding commitment to the vineyards of Coonawarra. Dark magenta, with a deeper/darker core. The nose is regal, yet modern. Lifted high notes—an intriguing mix of root vegetables... rhubarb, turnip, radish, parsnip, white chocolate and clove. Scents of blackberry conserve, fig paste, black olive, oregano, bay leaf, paprika do appear on the aromatic radar. A hint of oak, replete with mustard powder/Indian spice artefact. Fresh wafts of new, sweet polished leather.

The palate is lively, stylish, confidently and assertively medium-bodied, Coonawarra. Rhubarb compote carries over onto the palate, energised by blackcurrant and quince allies and red fruits (cranberry and persimmon). Tomato chutney/relish/pulp... giving way to savoury tapenade, Dutch red licorice. The feature here is texture... structurally woven, a mesh rather than a coating—tightened by oak, bound by powdery Coonawarra Cabernet tannins. Good grip, natural acidity. Deep and long.

"This inaugural release is a contemporary Penfolds reflection and showcase of Cabernet and of Coonawarra.”
(Chief Winemaker, Peter Gago)

A highly successful and alternative expression of Shiraz, St Henri does not rely on any oak, making it a bold alternative to Grange. This wine is rich and plush when young, gaining soft, earthy, mocha-like character as it ages.

From all the wines of the Penfolds stable, it is the St. Henri which I think offers the most poise and finesse; combining power and opulence with purity and a velvety, silky texture. No new oak is used during maturation, allowing a focus on the intense, dark fruit which is cool and fresh with a eucalypt hint on the nose. There’s loads of fleshy fruit across the palate but the sense of precision remains throughout. The tannins and acidity are beautifully managed, a wine made to reward patience, drink 2018-2035+.
(Martyn Rolph, BBR Fine wine)

Red Winemaking Trials. This Barossa Shiraz was first made in 1997 after several
years of the aforementioned trials. Opulence is the keynote here and, whilst this
opulence is highly seductive in the wine’s youth, this can and will age impeccably
well.

The 2008 RWT Shiraz is 100% Barossa fruit aged in French oak, with around 60%
being new. Deep and dense, it has a classic Barossa nose of eucalyptus and spicy,
dark berries. The ripe black fruit carries onto the palate, seamlessly merging with very
fine tannins. Could this be the best RWT ever?
(Fergus Stewart, Berrys' Fine Wine Advisor)

First produced in 1964, this is Penfolds’ finest Cabernet Sauvignon, and is again
amongst the very best that Australia can produce. The wine is deliberately “largescale”,
with the ripest and best fruit selected from Coonawarra, Barossa Valley and
Wrattonbully.

There is an effortless class to Bin 707 that always leaves me in awe. Of course the
fruit is intense and yes, there is a generous lick of oak (16 months in american barrels)
on the nose and palate, yet the overall feel is of restrained brilliance. The quality of
the fruit is sumptuous - loaded with cassis and cream, but it's the balance of the wine
that leaves you wanting more. Not at all heavy, rather a wine with great lift and
energy, and with wonderful persistence on the palate. Give it 8 -10 years, then rejoice
in having made a brilliant buying decision.
Philip Moulin, Berrys' Fine Wine Advisor

Deep garnet-purple in color, the 2008 Hill of Grace has a slightly closed nose before giving subtle notes of ripe black cherries, blackberries and violets with hints of cedar, pepper, green tea and cumin. There's a slight raisin character on the full-bodied palate with crisp acid, dense fruit and firm, grainy tannins, finishing long.
Lisa Perrotti-Brown - Wine Advocate - Issue#206 Apr 2013

The vineyard was planted in 1912 and, unusually for the time, it was planted exclusively with Shiraz. The soil is composed of clay and loam which causes these 100 year old vines to be low yielding. The wine itself is something of an extrovert, a nose of fresh mint, chocolate and a combination of both red and black fruit. The palate is full, rich and rounded with a pleasing gift of caramel imparted by the oak. These vines certainly aren’t showing their age if this wine is anything to go by.
Nick Stewart, BBR Buying Department