Barry Weinman: Tasted 25th June 2026: The Heart of the Penfolds Collection
Whilst Grange may be Australia’s most celebrated wine, many people, myself included, built our cellars around wines like Bin 28 Kalimna Shiraz and Bin 128 Coonawarra Shiraz (as well as 389, which will be covered in a separate article). These are wines that have quietly carried the Penfolds House Style across the decades, providing remarkable consistency while introducing drinkers to two very different expressions of Australian Shiraz.
The first vintage of Bin 28 was in 1959 and it represents a rich, generous and unmistakably warm-climate Shiraz. Bin 128 (first vintage 1962), by contrast, offers a more restrained and finely structured interpretation, drawing on the distinctive Terra Rossa soils of Coonawarra. It is also differentiated by its use of French rather than the more typical American oak used by Penfolds.
These wines represent more than six decades of Penfolds winemaking history and remain touchstones for collectors seeking authenticity, value and cellarability within the broader Penfolds family.
In addition, the modern Penfolds Collection has expanded well beyond these traditional foundations.
Wines such as Bin 138, drawing inspiration from the great GSM blends of the Barossa, and the increasingly important Grenache and Pinot Noir programs demonstrate how Penfolds continues to evolve while remaining true to its heritage. These newer releases are not replacements for the classic Bin wines but rather extensions of the same philosophy, creating wines that are unmistakably Penfolds.
The result is a collection that honours its past while embracing the changing tastes and opportunities of contemporary Australian wine.
*This was not a blind wine tasting, and it was hosted by Peter Gago. As a result, points should be considered as indicative.
Reviewed
Penfolds – Bin 23 – Pinot – 2025. Pretty, perfumed fruit, balanced by supple, textural tannins and French oak barrique maturation (22%). The vibrancy of the fruit has been preserved, resulting in a very fine expression of Pinot, rather than an overt Penfolds wine. A lovely wine that is drinking beautifully already. Whilst there is a move back to cork with most of the Bin wines, this wine will be released under screw cap to preserve the fragrant fruit.
Fruit was sourced from Tasmania (57%) & Yarra Valley and includes a variety of clones in the mix. Winemaking techniques included a small amount of whole-bunch ferment. 13% alc | 94pts* | $55.00.
Penfolds – Bin 21 Grenache – 2025. The sweet fruit here is an absolute treat, as is the way the structural components marry with the fruit. In the end, the tannins do close down the fruit on the finish, but they are an important part of the wine’s make-up. They will also be a real ally when it comes to pairing this wine with food, which is where it will be at its best. With air, this gets even better and is a highlight. A very strong Bin 21 and excellent value.
Fruit was sourced from Barossa (68%) and McLaren Vale, and spent 10 months in French oak hogsheads (28% new). As with the pinot, this will continue to be released under screw cap. 14% alc | 95pts* | $60.00.
Penfolds – Bin 138 – Grenache/Shiraz/Mataro – 2024. This is a cracking wine that is already brilliant drinking. The savoury, chocolate/mocha notes really add to the package, bringing depth and complexity to the pristine fruit. And the high-quality fruit is the key ingredient here. Supple, balanced and delicious drinking already. With air, the structural components build, suggesting that this will cellar well, but it is so good now that early consumption is recommended.
Predominantly a mix of Grenache and Shiraz, with the addition of 6% Mataro. Matured in a mix of French and American oak. Importantly, no new oak is used with this wine. Sealed with natural cork. 14.5% alc | 95+pts* | $60.00.
Penfolds – Bin 128 – 2024. I love this wine. The density of the cooler climate shiraz elevates this to a different level to the reds that preceded it. This is remarkably supple and approachable, but it is clear that this is only hinting at its potential right now. The fruit remains the primary focus for the full length of the palate, but it is shrouded in a veil of tannins and oak (primarily seasoned French oak) that, whilst having a muting effect, are in no way aggressive or assertive. A highlight of the release. Sealed with natural cork. 14.5% alc | 96pts* | $75.00.
Penfolds – Bin 28 – 2024. The wonderfully ripe fruit is most attractive, as is the fine structural elements that support it. But this is quite closed at this early stage making it hard to get a handle on its absolute quality. That said, history tells us that 10 – 15 years in the bottle will see this start to blossom.
Fruit sourced from a variety of vineyards across South Australia and the wine is matured in primarily seasoned American oak hogsheads (9% new). Sealed with natural cork. 14.5% alc | 94pts* | $50.00.
Penfolds – Bin 150 – Marananga – Shiraz – 2024. This is all about the savoury structure right now. The fruit is taut, closed and shy, just hinting at its potential. Of all the wines to date, this is the most closed and shy. With air though, wow, does the fruit open up.
Made in a different style to Grange, using its own fruit sources from the Marananga sub-district of the Barossa. Aged in a combination of French and American hogsheads, with little in the way of new oak included. Sealed with natural cork. 14.5% alc | 95+pts* | $100.00.