Grosset 2026 Rieslings Reviewed

A profound Polish Hill, and a Springvale that may be the finest yet released under the label.

Let me start by stating the obvious. The Grosset rieslings, and in particular the Polish Hill, are some of the best rieslings made in Australia. And the 2026 vintage is no exception, producing another profound Polish Hill in a refined, elegant, restrained style.

But it was the Springvale that really caught the panel’s attention. Surely this must be one of the greatest rieslings ever released under this banner. The wine is more immediate and impactful and, importantly, incredibly good drinking at this very early stage.

Reviewed

Grosset – Springvale – Riesling – 2026. Breathtakingly beautiful nose that captures the very essence of riesling. On the palate, the generosity of fruit is a defining feature, and the fruit quality is stunning. Precise acidity plays an important role, providing drive and cut-through. The palate texture is surprisingly soft, supple and completely seamless, making this a delightful drink now. But the ageing quality is apparent on the very close. A great Springvale! 12.5% alc | 96+pts | $58

Grosset – Alea – Riesling – 2026. This is an altogether different wine, but one of great quality. It is delicate, lithe, supple and fine compared with the power and intensity of the Springvale – a captivating expression of riesling, with wonderful mouthfeel and texture.It is made from riesling grown biodynamically at Grosset Rockwood Vineyard, established in 2001 in the Watervale sub-region. 12.5% alc | 95pts | $49

Grosset – Polish Hill – Riesling – 2026. Oh, I am in love! What a stunning wine. This has the purest of fruit, and it presents as extraordinarily fine and elegant. Yet there is great depth behind the supple, subtle exterior. Remarkably vibrant acidity plays an important role but does not impact on the fruit in the slightest. It was only with air and time in the glass, however, that the true power of this wine started to fully express itself. It became even better drinking after a day sitting open on the tasting bench.
12.3% alc | 97+pts | $85

Chardonnay New Release: September 2026

A fascinating aspect of this tasting was the name of the Wente chardonnay clone that Cullen attributed to the Kevin John Solstice Sun Chardonnay.

The names Wente, Gin Gin, Mendoza and UC Davis Clone 1 all appear to be used interchangeably in Margaret River. Technically, it appears that the latter three all share the same Wente ancestry. Gin Gin clone refers to Wente cuttings from the original Gin Gin vineyards that have adapted locally whereas Mendoza refers to Wente cuttings that were originally planted in Argentina that adapted to that environment. In reality, they are all described as having very similar characteristics, and the classic “hen and chicken” bunch composition.

Regardless of the clonal name, the wine is very special indeed, as is the extraordinary Yattarna chardonnay that Penfolds produced in 2024. Having given the latter wine rave reviews as part of the Penfolds launch tasting, it was great to see this show so well in a blind tasting, confirming my initial assessment.

The SRS by Flametree and the Hutton Reserve also showed very well, whilst the bargain of the tasting was Dhillon’s Glenhope chardonnay, from Bindi.

Reviewed

Penfolds – Yattarna – Chardonnay – 2024. Wow! The fruit explodes from the glass and is quite superb. Peach, nectarine, minerality, lemon zest, curry leaf and flint combine with depth, power, elegance and grace. Stunning. I could not imagine a more intense wine, yet the balance is nothing short of brilliant. And it is totally seamless to boot, with incredible length of flavours and vibrancy. The fruit comes to life with air, and the superb oak has been soaked up by the fruit. A slight saline tang is the icing on the cake. It was great to see this in a blind line-up, as it confirms my quality assessment that I made at the Penfolds launch tasting. 12.5% alc – 97+pts.

Cullen – Kevin John – Solstice Sun – Chardonnay – 2025. This is such a different expression of chardonnay. The fruit has been toned right down in comparison to the Yattarna, whilst the acidity here is a defining feature. The quality is, however, still quite superb. The oak takes on a different role, adding more texture and structure, but with less of the worked, lees/barrel ferment characters. This is a superb wine in its own right. The fruit is sourced from the Block 1 vineyard planted in 1976 to Wente clone chardonnay. Only 647 bottles made. 13.5% alc – 96-97pts – $350.

Flametree – SRS – Wallcliffe – Chardonnay – 2024. There is a lot of wow factor to this wine. Ripe fruit has been supported by notable, though complementary winemaking inputs (lees/barrel ferment) and scintillating acidity. At this stage, the acidity comes over the top of the fruit, but a year or two in bottle will see this settle back. A distinctive wine. 13.2% alc – 95 pts – $100.

Dhillon – Glenhope Vineyard – Chardonnay – 2025. Wow, this is good, and excellent value from Lamonts in Cottesloe, given that it is made by the team at Bindi. The fruit is perfectly ripe, but in a restrained, almost analytical way, providing a window into the climate and philosophy behind this wine. There are hints of white peach, with abundant citrus notes, particularly grapefruit. Where this really shows its class is in its mouthfeel and length of flavours. Excellent winemaking; the oak plays an important part in the structure and textural components but has been beautifully assimilated into the fruit. And a few years will see this get even better, as the fruit really expresses itself. 13.5% alc – 95pts – $39.

Moreau-Naudet – Chablis – 2024. This is a super wine. The fruit quality is quite superb given its entry-level “Chablis” designation. Ripe peach is the main aroma and flavour, but this is supported by gentle cashew nut nuttiness and texturing oak. The acidity is the hero on the finish, adding drive and excitement, without blunting the fruit’s intrinsic power and depth. The oak toast is a little notable currently, but this is sure to settle back into the wine with time in the glass or time in the cellar. 12.5% alc – 94pts – $110.

Hutton – Reserve – Chardonnay – 2024. Funky and very good. This has had the royal treatment in the winery, with wild ferment and barrel fermentation in French oak (22% new). And the way it comes together with the grapefruit-like acidity on the palate is brilliant. The flinty minerality that sits on both the nose and palate presents as curry leaf and spice. A hedonistic wine that I look forward to seeing age over the next few years. The fruit is a mix of Gin Gin, clone 3 and clone 5. 12.9% alc – 95pts – $100.

Raineri – Langhe Bianco – Arneis/Chardonnay – 2024. This is a textural treat, and it is a bloody good drink to boot. Ripe fruit that has a lot of stonefruit going on in both the apricot and peach spectrums. There is gentle honey on the palate, complementing the stonefruit. Whilst relatively straightforward, the finish is fresh and surprisingly long and persistent, supported by racy acidity. Would pair well with food. 12.5% alc – 92pts.

It is no secret that I love Bordeaux varietal based wines. The quality/value ratio is right up there, with very worthwhile wines available at a variety of price points. And the highlights from this tasting served to reinforce that view.

The delicious and juicy Accidental Red from Dhillon kicked things off, whilst the Bream Creek Cabernet Merlot redefined my expectations of both cabernet and the value that Tasmanian wines can offer.

At the other end of the spectrum, Vasse Felix’s Tom Cullity is the latest superstar in this range. A spectacular wine.

Reviewed

Vasse Felix – Tom Cullity – Cabernet/Malbec – 2023. This takes all the highlights from the other wines in the tasting and distils them into a single, cohesive package. But this wine comes with a caveat. It is young: very young. The palate is seamless and the fruit and winemaking superb, but it is just so, so closed. It is only with a little air that this really starts to reveal just how good it is. The depth, power and intensity are next level, with the oak (58% new French barriques) providing the backdrop on which the fruit has been painted. It is a thirty-year prospect, so give it a big decant if you are going to get the most from it today. You won’t be sorry. The power of this wine was amplified with time in the glass, with the acidity serving as a counterfoil ensuring balance. Wonderful. 14.5% alc – 97pts – $200.

Bream Creek – Cabernet/Merlot – 2025. What a lovely wine. The vibrant fruit is the focus, but this has been brilliantly paired to the oak and acidity. There is a generosity to this wine that comes from the perfectly ripe fruit that makes it so much more accessible today. I would go as far as to say that this is totally delicious. With mid-term ageing, I am confident that this will develop more depth and complexity, but for me, I would be very happy drinking it young (which is a rare thing indeed). Gets an extra point for its drinkability. 14.0% alc – 95pts – $45.

Dhillon – Accidental Blend – Merlot/Shiraz – 2025. Oh wow. This is just so much fun. The vibrant fruit is perfectly preserved, with just the right amount of structure to make this a wonderful drink. I would go as far as to say this is one of the prettiest, most perfumed young reds that I have had in a long time. On the very close, the structure adds depth and texture, but does not impede the fruit. I really don’t know how to point this, but I love it. 13.5% alc – 93pts – $25.

Credaro – Kinship – Cabernet Sauvignon – 2025. This is a lovely, middle-of-the-road cabernet. The fruit is ripe but focussed, and there is enough structure to elevate this above the ordinary. Yet it remains easy drinking, approachable and user-friendly. But with air, the quality starts to shine through, with the structural components really building and the fruit getting altogether more serious. A sleeper. 14.0% alc – 93pts++.

Barry Weinman: 7 September 2026

Swinney Vineyard sits in the Frankland River region of Western Australia and has quickly established itself as one of Australia’s most exciting fine wine producers. While the family has been growing grapes for generations, the launch of the Farvie range represented a bold step into ultra-premium, site-driven winemaking. Produced from the estate’s dry-grown bush vines and guided by a philosophy that seeks to express vineyard character above all else, Farvie has become one of Australia’s most compelling collections of Grenache, Mourvèdre and Shiraz. Tasting through the range from 2018 to 2024 provides a fascinating insight into the evolution of both the wines and the winemaking philosophy behind them. 

When Farvie launched in 2018, there was no established template or winemaking approach for these wines. It has been fascinating to see how the style has evolved in such a short period of time, with the vintage conditions also playing an important role in the year-to-year variations.

With the Grenache, for example, from 2018 to 2021, a small proportion of Mourvèdre was co-fermented in the blend, but since 2022, it has been 100% Grenache. The amount of whole-bunch fermentation has increased gradually over time, reaching 50% in 2024. And the fruit from the organic, dry-grown bush-vine Grenache has been picked earlier with each passing vintage.

Reviewed

Swinney – Farvie – Grenache – 2018. This is at a really interesting junction in its evolution. You can still smell and taste the youthful berry fruit, but here, the secondary characters are really starting to build, giving the wine greater weight and depth. Fruit spans the cherry-plum spectrum, with earthy liquorice and subtle spice notes building. The mouthfeel and texture are spot on, as is the way the fruit coats the tongue all the way to the close of a very long palate. Supple and very good drinking today. Will it age longer? Sure, but this is likely the sweet spot for me. 93pts.

Swinney – Farvie – Grenache – 2019. Yum. This is downright delicious. The fruit is more primary and the freshness adds a gloss to the otherwise serious fruit and winemaking. Definitely cherry, but also fresh berry notes. Cinnamon/spice adds to the package. Whereas the 2018 is all about density and power, this represents purity of fruit and brightness. Another five years should see it hitting its drinking window. 94pts.

Swinney – Farvie – Grenache – 2020. With the 2020, it seems like the winemaking team have really honed the style, with greater depth and power than the 2019, but with the same purity of fruit. And this really works and is quite spectacular. Cherry, berry, hints of liquorice and spice. But here the tannins really start to make their presence felt. Never aggressive, but certainly assertive. Wonderful. 95pts.

Swinney – Farvie – Grenache – 2022. This is tight and really quite closed and primary. The higher acidity adds freshness, but does act as a handbrake on the vibrant fruit, as do the ultrafine tannins. A silky, supple and seamless wine, but one that is really only at the start of its life. The pretty fruit continues to build over time in the glass. 96pts.

Swinney – Farvie – Grenache – 2023. Here, the pretty vibrant fruit really comes into its own. It still has the power and structure as seen in the 2022, but here, the tannins and acids serve to frame the fruit, rather than shutting it down. Blueberry, spice, aniseed and ripe plum all swirl around the glass. On the very close, the tannins really start to make their presence felt, closing the fruit down, and giving it the potential for longer-term ageing, yet this remains wonderful today. 96pts.

Swinney – Farvie – Grenache – 2024. From a hot, early year, this is really quite different, with raspberry fruit and ferrous minerality the key features. The plum-like acidity makes for a refreshing finish and keeps the wine alive and fresh. The minerality is a real highlight. The length of flavours is outstanding, and this is superb now, especially with food, but 10 years will allow this to start showing its best. 96pts.

Swinney – Farvie – Mourvèdre – 2021. This is quite remarkable. It is distinct from the Shiraz and Grenache, but it shares the family traits regarding structure and mouthfeel. The quality of the fruit is what sets this apart from the ordinary. It is quite spectacular. Red fruits come to mind, and these flourish at the front of the palate. There is quite a distinct transition mid-palate to the structural components, particularly the minerality, which is a defining feature. What this does need, however, is time. Time to allow the minerality/tannin structure to meld with the fruit. Whilst I do not have benchmarks to compare to, I am confident that in 10 years, this will be a star. 100% whole bunch. 95pts.

Swinney – Farvie – Mourvèdre – 2022. In 2022, the fruit is slightly less overt, as is the minerality and tannic structure. This allows the sheer quality to express itself perfectly. The balance between the fruit, ferrous minerality and tannins is quite extraordinary. Supple, slippery and seamless, this is a classic case of iron fist in a velvet glove. Superb. 96pts.

Swinney – Farvie – Mourvèdre – 2023. The fruit ripeness has been turned up to 11, with plum-like fruit taking precedence over berry characters. The ripeness gives it a degree of generosity, making it so, so approachable. Whilst this has a very high proportion of whole-bunch ferment, it was very gently handled, with the occasional foot stomping the only winemaking input. There is no new oak in these wines; they rely on the fruit/stalk tannins to provide the structural input. 95pts.

Swinney – Farvie – Mourvèdre – 2024. As good as the 2022 is, this may actually be better. But here, the whole package has been wound back with subdued fruit and very fine tannic structure. The end result is a wonderful wine with innate power and real presence. The highlight is how everything is perfectly balanced. The ferrous, mineral, earthy characters are a key feature, but they are very restrained and balanced. A wonderful wine. From a very dry year, Mourvèdre was the standout in 2024. I am not sure how this will age, but I am keen to find out. 97pts.

Swinney – Farvie – Shiraz – 2018. As with the 2018 Grenache, this is a very powerful, ripe rendition of Shiraz and has the same slightly stewed fruit notes up front. Also like the Grenache, this looked so much better after 30 minutes in the glass. But it is an awkward phase, making accurate assessment difficult. 94pts.

Swinney – Farvie – Shiraz – 2019. Wow. Now this is special. The ripe fruit is quite spectacular, and the way it is complemented by the tannins/minerality elevates this to the next level. Refreshing acidity is a key component to this wine. Interestingly, no specific characteristics leap out from the glass. Sure, there are berry and stone fruit notes, and the minerality is a feature, but this is so beautifully balanced that everything comes together in a seamless way. Superb length of flavours to close. Only harvested the morning side of the vines in 2018/19 to protect the vibrancy of the fruit. From 2020, shade cloth was introduced on the side of the vines receiving the afternoon sun, to protect the fruit from sunburn/scalding. 97+pts.

Swinney – Farvie – Shiraz – 2020. Another brilliant wine, but here, the coffee and cocoa nibs take precedence over the berry fruit. The trademark tannins and minerality sit quietly in the background, but this is something of an anomaly in the line-up today. But underneath the structural elements, there is superb fruit lurking. It just takes time in the glass for this to really express itself. Of all the wines to date, this is the wine that I would want to give the longest in the cellar. A quiet phase? 95pts.

Swinney – Farvie – Shiraz – 2021. From the outset, this is closed, structured and quite tannic, and represents a stylistic point of difference in the line-up. The cooler/wetter vintage has resulted in a wine that, whilst full of potential, is really quite shy right now. But underneath, there is a vibrancy to the ripe fruit that is most attractive. An understated wine, but one with great potential. A sleeper. 96pts.

Swinney – Farvie – Shiraz – 2022. Oh my, this is a wine that makes me swoon and go weak at the knees. Tremendous presence in the glass. Just stunning. There was no new oak used here, or indeed in any wine under the Farvie label. The palate appears to have unfathomable depths, the flavours and textures cascading across the palate, with waves of flavours ebbing and flowing along the length of the palate. A profound wine and a tremendous bargain on the world’s wine stage. The fruit was 2/3 whole bunch pressed and comes from two distinct plots within the vineyards. Stunning. 97pts.

Swinney – Farvie – Shiraz – 2023. This is all about balance and finesse. A Goldilocks wine that is just right. Again, there are no specific characters that leap out of the glass, rather, there is a quiet confidence about how this wine presents, with everything in perfect balance. A wonderful wine and one of my favourites on the day. Blue fruits come to the fore with time in the glass. 97pts.

Swinney – Farvie – Shiraz – 2024. Here the fruit is the primary focus, and what a focus it is. Blue fruits, satsuma plums, cinnamon, spice, texture, depth, structure, this has it all. A superb wine that is spectacular right now, but it is sure to age very well. The fruit quality is stunning. A personal favourite to drink now, as it is quite irresistible despite its ageing potential. 97pts.

Barry Weinman: Tasted 25th June 2026

Penfolds Grange, Bin 707 and Bin 169 represent three distinct expressions of Penfolds’ winemaking philosophy: Grange, the internationally acclaimed icon that redefined Australian fine wine, is predominantly Shiraz and the first experimental release was in 1951.

Bin 707 is a powerful and age-worthy Cabernet Sauvignon that mirrors Grange’s uncompromising approach, and the first vintage was in 1964.

In comparison, Bin 169 is a comparatively recent addition, starting in 2008 (following a special release in 1973) that showcases Coonawarra cabernet.

While differing in varietal composition and regional focus, all three wines share a common commitment to exceptional fruit, meticulous craftsmanship and the ability to evolve over decades in the cellar.

*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 169 – Cabernet Sauvignon – 2024. OMG. This is quite stunning. So fine and elegant, yet with masses of intrinsic power. A superb wine. The way the (prolific) tannins and acid have been massaged into a supple, elegant package is quite remarkable, allowing the vibrant blueberry fruit to shine. The oak adds weight and depth but does not cloud the fruit in any way. A wonderful wine that will drink beautifully any time over the next 30 years. As the most important brand in the Treasury Wine Estates portfolio, Penfolds has the ability to access some of the best fruit from across the region that might otherwise be destined for another wine. 100% Coonawarra fruit aged in French oak hogsheads for 18 months (79% new). 14.5% alc | 97+pts | $300.00.

Penfolds – Bin 707 – Cabernet Sauvignon – 2024. Classic Bin 707 and a brilliant wine. Here, the fruit depth, power, texture and structure are taken to an even higher level. The aromas and flavours evolve and build as this sits in the glass, transitioning from blueberry, through plum and on to complex savoury notes, all supported by the very fine oak (new French barriques). The tannins are, as expected, significant, yet they never dominate the fruit. But they do serve to keep the fruit a little subdued on the palate. Yes, it is classic Cabernet, but even more so, it is classic Penfolds. Points are irrelevant. As good as this is today, experience tells us that this will be even better with age and is sure to live longer than me.

Penfolds has the ability to use the best fruit from anywhere in the country for Bin 707, but in 2024 the fruit was all from South Australia (Coonawarra, Barossa, Padthaway). 14.5% alc | 98pts* | $800.00.

Penfolds – Grange – Shiraz – 2022. This is just remarkable. Intensity, power, density, depth, this has everything you could possibly hope for in a wine. This really is one of the world’s great wines. The fruit takes on a darker hue, being almost impregnable at this early stage, hinting at its potential, but pinpointing the fruit characters proved impossible, such is the density. Yet this remains silky, supple and utterly delicious. This has ultimate length of flavours and the silky texture in no way impedes the flow. Stunning! Just magnificent! Don’t get me wrong, there are tannins and acid to make this a 50-year cellaring potential, but it is amazing wine already. 100pts? Why not.

The fruit for this wine was sourced from the Barossa (87%) along with a splash of McLaren Vale and Coonawarra. As expected, the wine was matured in new American oak for 18 months and, in 2022 includes 3% cabernet sauvignon. 14.5% alc | 99pts* | $1000.00.

Barry Weinman: Tasted 25th June 2026

Penfolds’ expansion into California represents one of the boldest international projects undertaken by an Australian wine company. Rather than simply producing Californian wines, Penfolds has sought to express its distinctive House Style through Californian vineyards, drawing on relationships and vineyard holdings developed over several decades. The resulting collection—featuring wines such as Bin 704, Bin 600, Bin 149 and Quantum—combines Californian fruit with Penfolds’ centuries of winemaking experience. While initially met with curiosity, the Californian program has matured into a serious and credible extension of the Penfolds portfolio, reinforcing the winery’s long-held belief that great wine should be defined by quality and style rather than constrained by geography.

An interesting aspect of Penfolds’ Californian journey is that it does not operate in isolation. Through its parent company, Treasury Wine Estates (TWE), Penfolds sits alongside some of California’s most historic and prestigious wineries, including Beringer, Beaulieu Vineyard (BV), Stags’ Leap Winery, Etude, Frank Family Vineyards and, more recently, DAOU.

That said, since 1998, Penfolds has planted 210 acres of vines on their Camatta Hills Estate in Paso Robles which was formerly Creston “600” Ranch, with cuttings from both Magill Estate and the Kalimna vineyard being used in the planting. The Bin 600 draws its name from this estate.
Perhaps the most significant benefit for wine lovers is that the relationship gives Penfolds unparalleled access to premium Californian fruit and winemaking resources. The result has been the emergence of wines such as Bin 704, Bin 149 and Quantum: wines that marry the structure, generosity and pedigree of Napa Valley with the unmistakable DNA of Penfolds.

*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 600 – Cabernet/Shiraz – 2023. This is very structural. The fruit quality is outstanding, but this has been wound right back compared to the Australian wines. But this is no criticism. The mouthfeel and presence of the wine have quality stamped all over it. This is remarkable for its great drinkability. If you look closely, you can see the cabernet and shiraz fruit characters coming though. A lovely wine. 73% Cabernet. 16 months in American oak barriques, 45% new. 14.5% alc | 95pts | $90.00.

Penfolds – Bin 704 – Cabernet Sauvignon – 2023. Wow. This is very good. But in comparison to the 600, the structural components take on a much greater role and will also support cellar aging. Underneath the structural components, the ripe blueberry-infused fruit slowly builds and takes on a distinct character in the Penfolds line-up. A wonderful wine, but again, this is a wine for the long haul. If you can stash a bottle or two away for 20+ years, you will be amply rewarded.

Bin 704 is the inverse of Bin 407 and reflects that it sits at the same level in the USA range as the 407 does in the Australian range. The fruit is 100% Napa and draws on the parent company’s vineyard resources, supplemented by grower fruit. The wine spent 16 months in French oak barriques, 45% new. 14.5% alc | 96pts* | $125.00.

Penfolds – Bin 149 – Cabernet Sauvignon – 2023. The fruit here is quite extraordinary, as is the very fine, texturing tannins. Brilliant. At this very early stage, these characters are under tension, with the tannins and fruit playing something of a tug-of-war on the palate. Yet remarkably, this never gets aggressive or hard. It will be so good with food now, and even better with a decade in the cellar. 96pts seems a bit low.

Fruit for this wine is primarily drawn from Napa, with a proportion of South Australian cabernet included in the blend. The moniker 149 refers to the 14.9% of Australian wine that was added to the first release in 2018. Like 707 and Grange, this gets 100% new oak, in this case 78% French and 22% American oak barriques. 14.5% alc | 96+pts* | $275.00.

Barry Weinman: Tasted 25th June 2026

For me, this is where the real excitement exists within the range (along with the brilliant 2024 Bin 128). These are wines that need no introduction to Australian wine collectors.

St Henri traces its origins to the 1957 commercial vintage (following development work in the mid-1950s by John Davoren) and stands as a deliberate counterpoint to Grange. Rather than relying on new oak, it is matured in large, seasoned vats, allowing the fruit to take centre stage.

Bin 389’s first vintage was released in 1960. Created by the legendary Max Schubert, it blended Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz and famously utilised barrels that had previously held Grange, earning it the affectionate nickname “Baby Grange.

Magill Estate Shiraz first appeared with the 1983 vintage, produced exclusively from the historic vineyard surrounding Penfolds’ original home at Magill on the outskirts of Adelaide.

Penfolds Bin 407 Cabernet Sauvignon is a relatively recent addition to the Penfolds portfolio. The first vintage was 1990. It was created to provide a wine in the style of the iconic Bin 707 Cabernet Sauvignon, but at a more accessible price and in larger volumes, as Penfolds gained access to greater quantities of high-quality Cabernet fruit.

RWT (Red Winemaking Trial) is the youngest of the four, launched with the 1997 vintage after extensive experimentation during the 1990s. Conceived as an alternative expression of top-tier Penfolds Shiraz, RWT is sourced entirely from the Barossa Valley and matured in French oak, contrasting with the multi-regional, American oak influence of Grange.

*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 407 – Cabernet Sauvignon – 2024. This is outrageously good. Wonderful fruit and brilliant winemaking. The fruit is actually very shy on the palate at first, but you can sense just how good this will be with time in the cellar. So easy to drink today, but this is really a wine for the long haul. Hints of liquorice, spice and fresh herbs all add impact.

Bin 407 was a highlight for me as it often is and the value is compelling. Fruit for this wine is sourced from premium regions across South Australia and was matured in a blend of French and American oak (~20% new) for 12 months prior to bottling. 14.5% alc | 96+pts* | $130.00.

Penfolds – Bin 389 – Cabernet/Shiraz – 2024. Perfumed, alluring and just wonderful. The ripe fruit here is truly special, but it is the structure and acidity that helps stand this apart. Whilst very closed on release, the palate remained silky and supple, and immensely enjoyable. But this is really a wine for the future, not today (there are many other wines in the range to drink over the next few years). A very powerful wine!

With 53% cabernet, this is not quite a 50:50 blend. Fruit is sourced from premium South Australian regions and spent 13 months in American oak hogsheads (34% new). In 2024, Bin 389 has replaced Bin 28 as the highest volume wine in the Penfolds range, which is testament to their ability to access super premium fruit and the fact that they are not constrained to a single vineyard or region. 14.5% alc | 96pts* | $120.00.

Penfolds – St Henri – 2023. St Henri is a personal favourite of mine, and in 2023, this is another fine wine. As distinct from wines like the Bin 150 where the tannins and oak play an important role, here, the acidity is the hero, adding energy and drive to the supple, if somewhat closed fruit. And how good is that fruit? Brilliant! There are both berry and plum-like tones, but there is so much more to this wine, with the savoury components adding depth and complexity. Like the 389, this is built for long-term cellaring, and the results will be spectacular.

Fruit comes from McLaren Vale (55%), Barossa (21%), Frankland River (11%) plus a splash of Port Lincoln and Robe. There is often also a splash of Cabernet included in the final blend. 14.5% alc | 96pts* | $135.00.

Penfolds – Magill Estate – 2024. A classic vintage for Magill and the results are spectacular. The fruit is quite exceptional and the structure is superb. This is just extraordinary. Silky, supple, fragrant and elegant. Yet this is structured, and very age-worthy. The length and persistence of fruit is outstanding. A wonderful wine and my pick of all wines to date.

Unique within the Penfolds range, this is 100% estate fruit, made on site at Magill Estate. Due to a vineyard restoration project, volumes in recent years are down 50% compared to longer-term averages. The impact of the new plantings will gradually start to be included over the next few years. The wine was aged for 18 months in new French (2/3) and second-use American (1/3) oak hogsheads. 14.5% alc | 97pts* | $180.00.

Penfolds – RWT – 2024. The fruit quality here is at least the equal of the Magill, but here, the structural components serve to suppress the fruit right now. But with air, wow, does this look so so good. The subtle floral characters really come to the fore, and the balance becomes spot on. Underneath the fragrant fruit is a complex amalgam of spice, oak and nut chocolate notes. A beautiful wine, but one that really needs two decades to show its full potential. Or an hour or two in a decanter now. This is such a good drink that food is purely optional as an accompaniment.

From the Barossa, RWT spent 14 months in French oak hogsheads, 82% of which were new, with the remainder second use. Philosophically, this sits just behind Grange and 707 in the range and, given the relative pricing, may well be the best value Penfolds red wine with this release. 14.5% alc | 97pts* | $220.00.

Barry Weinman: Tasted 25th June 2026

Few wineries have shaped the story of Australian wine as profoundly as Penfolds. Since its foundation in 1844, Penfolds has been more than a producer of great wine; it has been a custodian of innovation and, through the enduring success of Grange, the winery that helped establish Australia’s reputation on the world fine wine stage.

For generations of collectors, Penfolds has provided the benchmarks against which Australian reds are measured, while its distinctive House Style—built on blending across regions, vineyards and vintages where appropriate—remains uniquely Australian in both philosophy and execution. In many respects, the history of modern Australian fine wine cannot be told without Penfolds at its centre.

While Penfolds is best known for its legendary reds, its white wine program deserves equal respect. The pursuit of a “White Grange” led to the creation of Yattarna, one of Australia’s great Chardonnays and a wine that reinforces that Australian whites can compete with the finest examples from anywhere in the world.

Today, Yattarna, Reserve Bin A and Bin 311 form a remarkably cohesive portfolio, showcasing Penfolds’ ability to source fruit from the country’s best cool-climate regions, including Tasmania, Adelaide Hills and Tumbarumba; and the range mirrors, in philosophy, the red wine program, with winemaking led by Kym Schroeter.

Bin 311 is to Yattarna as Bin 389 is to Grange. Bin 389 has long been considered the “baby Grange” as it shares the same winemaking philosophy and indeed, fruit that is destined for Grange may be relegated to 389 if it does not quite make the grade (it does not fit style-wise with St Henri or RWT).
And so it is with Bin 311. A wine that shares its DNA with Yattarna and also benefits from fruit that would have otherwise gone to Yattarna. Whereas the Reserve Bin A Chardonnay is made specifically from Adelaide Hills fruit and is made in a different style.

*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 311 – 2025. This is a very fine wine. Aromas of grapefruit and lime get the ball rolling. Whilst this presents as taut and elegant, with a distinct flinty minerality, there is a core of ripe stone fruit running the length and breadth of the palate. Supple, elegant and brilliant drinking, in 2025 Bin 311 is much more approachable than some previous releases. This is, in part, attributed to the fact that the winemakers have included new oak (23%) for the first time. Whilst it is age worthy, it is so enjoyable young. Fruit is sourced from Adelaide Hills, Tasmania and Tumbarumba. 13% alc | 94–95pts* | $55.00.

Penfolds – Reserve Bin A – 2025. This is so, so good. The fruit is superb, but it is the texture/mouthfeel/length of flavours that is an absolute standout. Compared to the Bin 311, here the citrus characters are much more muted, with the peach-like fruit the star, supported by complexity-building nuttiness (more almond meal than cashew from my perspective). With air, and as it warmed, this gets even better, the power and complexity really starting to build. For me, the value proposition with this wine is compelling.

Unlike Yattarna and Bin 311, Reserve Bin A is a single-region wine, with the fruit coming from the Adelaide Hills. Barrel fermented and matured for 8 months in 225-litre French oak barriques (~60% new), some barrels were allowed to go through wild primary ferment, and the wine underwent 100% malolactic fermentation. 12.5% alc | 96pts* | $125.00.

Penfolds – Yattarna – 2024. There is a sense of power and gravitas that is on another level with this wine, and the completeness of the wine made descriptors seem superfluous at the time. For me, the seamless, creamy, supple, textured palate was the highlight, making for a truly sensational wine that compares to any Chardonnay on the world stage. After sitting in the glass for 90 minutes, the power of this wine really started to build. It does not taste like a white Burgundy, nor should it. Rather, it sits proudly as one of the world’s great Chardonnays in its own right.

Fruit sourced from Tumbarumba, Adelaide Hills and Tasmania. Barrel fermented and matured in French oak barriques, 56% new, for 8 months. 12.5% alc | 97pts* | $220.00.

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.

Barry Weinman – May 2026

In a very strong line-up of chardonnays, Cullen Wines’ 2025 Kevin John and Hardys’ 2023 Eileen Hardy stood out for both their absolute quality and their contrasting styles.

And it has been several years since any of the panel had encountered St Hallett’s Old Block Shiraz, with unanimous praise for the 2019. The depth of the old-vine fruit that goes into this wine is very impressive.

It should be noted that 2019 appears to be the current release, with the winery’s website listing older vintages for sale.

Battles — The Burnside — Chardonnay — 2025
A lovely start to the tasting. Ripe, yet restrained; textured and viscous, yet light and airy on the palate. This really is a very good wine. The length and persistence of flavour are a highlight. Sublime. I would like to see this over a few days, as it is seamless, but also quite closed. Pretty floral notes and minerality leave a lingering impression. 13.3% alc | 94pts | $90

Hardys — Eileen Hardy — Chardonnay — 2023
A different style, but a wine of great quality. Here, the fruit ripeness is a touch more overt, with pineapple and stone fruit aromas swirling around the glass. The palate is rich and carries obvious fruit weight, yet it remains lithe and fresh along the entire length of the palate. Despite the power, the palate transition remains seamless. The intensity here is really next level. An amazing wine. 13.5% alc | 96pts | $150

Cullen — Kevin John — Chardonnay — 2025
Here is a wine so subtle that it almost defies description. Yet it has great presence and viscosity that is next level for a wine this fine and elegant. But the true magic happened once it sat in the glass for 15 minutes. The fruit continued to build and build, making for a spectacular wine. Expensive? Yep. But worth it. 13.5% alc | 97pts

St Hallett — Old Block — Shiraz — 2019
Oh my, this is in a different league. There is so much more intensity to the fruit, and the quality of the winemaking inputs is exemplary. The way the tannins have been polished is quite extraordinary, allowing the fruit to take centre stage while still providing all the textural cues you could hope for in a Barossa shiraz. Coffee, chocolate and plum notes all come to mind, with a hint of forest-floor savouriness. Despite the obvious ripeness in the fruit, this remains remarkably elegant and refined. Lovely now or in 20 years. The sheer depth of this wine saw me elevate the points in the end. Whilst the recommended retail price is $160, this is being heavily discounted around the traps and represents good value. 14.5% alc | 96pts | $160