Penfolds, Bin 150 Marananga Shiraz

Penfolds, Bin 150 Marananga ShirazThis relatively recent, sub regional introduction to the range is consistently and strikingly savoury, and very characterful. The 2010 has an almost visceral, smoky, salty meatiness about it, with sage and tapenade followed by black cherry and blackberry, which start to surface as it opens up. Long, with textured tannins, it spent 15 months in 25% each of new French oak, one year old French oak, new American oak, and one year old American oak

33 ha of 40+ year old vines)

Shows earth

perhaps a bit longer

well-supported by about eight grams of residual sugar

yet ever-heightened tension

(from 75+ year old vines)

violet and soft earth wisps

with a round personality and the essence of smoke

I would have guessed this was 14

You can sense some of the heat of the growing season here

Touches of honeysuckle

There is little doubt the 2001 is shaping up to be one of the most elegant Sorì San Lorenzos ever made