Bin 138 draws its inspiration from the wines of Southern Rhône, where shiraz, grenache, and Mataro (mourvèdre) are blended in varying proportions to create full-bodied wines possessing rich and heady perfume. Each year fruit for Bin 138 is sourced from old Barossa Valley vines (some more than 100 years old) and then matured for 12 to 15 months in seasoned oak hogsheads to allow the different varietals to shine through. The first vintage release of this varietal blend was in 1992, labeled ‘Old Vine Barossa Valley’ – it was then elevated to Bin status with the 1998 vintage.

Appearance: Bright garnet red. 

Nose: Raspberry-leaf and pastille fruits (blackberry) jostle to the fore. Barossa boot polish high-notes arise – ever so discreetly!  Quince jelly and inky-berried aromatic sign-off at this early stage of bottle maturation. More to be revealed over time. 

Taste: Juicy and dense. A sophisticated varietal and regional matrix unfolds, stamped with Barossa integrity. But, what from what? Best guess: ironstone – from Shiraz and a continuum of fresh red and dark berried fruits from its grenache and Mataro stablemates. Super-fine tannins permeate across the palate, no doubt contributed by all three varieties. Background oak is ever so distant.

About the producer: Since 1844, Penfolds has been grounded in experimentation, curiosity, and uncompromising quality. Their success has been driven by a lineage of visionary winemakers. It began with Dr Christopher and Mary Penfold, the pioneers who dreamed big, inventing tonics, brandies, and fortified wines made from grapes and Australian sunshine. It continued with Alf Vesey, Ray Beckwith, and Max Schubert, celebrated winemaking legends who pushed our development to extraordinary, bold new heights. It is this pioneering spirit and curiosity that still rings true after nearly two centuries, it is what made them become one of the most celebrated winemakers in the world today. Historic blends, significant milestones, and heritage vineyards have been honoured by a lineage of custodians whose courage, imagination, precision, and humility have ensured Penfolds stays true to its original values while remaining relevant for current and future generations. The stories and philosophies behind each label bring a timeless quality, making Penfolds wines special and compelling for collectors and drinkers the world over.