Monday, 16 October 2017

The no-nonsense lowdown on what to buy from the new Penfolds Collection

The new Penfolds Collection wines will be in store from Thursday - and there is good news for those who do not have $850 to splash out on the albeit excellent 2013 Penfolds Grange.

Of the 18 wines in the collection, headed, of course, by the 99-point Grange, there are 10 with recommended retail prices under $100. 



And while Penfolds has built its reputation on red wines, there are four whites in the collection ranging from the 2015 Yattarna Chardonnay ($150) to the 2017 Bin 51 Eden Valley Riesling ($30). 

There are several price increases, with St Henri and Bin A both now $125 (up from $100). The Bin 138 and St Henri are my picks for those who want to buy and drink, rather than collect.The Eden Valley Riesling is a steal. 

With a lineage dating back to 1844 and iconic status, the new release of a Penfolds Collection is very much an occasion. Here is my lowdown on the highlights (I've left out those that did not appeal, including a very un-pinot-like 2016 Bin 23 2016 Pinot Noir): 

Penfolds Bin 51 2017 Eden Valley Riesling: lemon blossom aromas, tangy tangerine notes, vibrancy with lime/tangelo flavours and terrific acid backbone. Briskly intense. 92 points. $30.

Penfolds Bin 311 2016 Tumbarumba Chardonnay: High-class cool-climate chardonnay with grapefruit and smoky oak. Has still to fully blossom. 93 points. $45.

Penfolds Reserve Bin A 2016 Adelaide Hills Chardonnay: An expressive nose and a seamless palate. 94 points. $125

Penfolds 2015 Yattarna Chardonnay: Profound, intense with 65% new oak sucked up by the quality fruit. More citrus than stone fruit with a great acid backbone. One for savouring. 95 points. $150.

Penfolds 2015 Bin 138: A blend of grenache, mataro and shiraz that has florals, richness and balance. Christmas cake on the palate with oak in support. 94 points. $45.

Penfolds 2015 Bin 128 Coonawarra Shiraz: Everything looks great here with shiny fruit, silky palate, spices and hints of eucalypt. 94 points. $45.

Penfolds Bin 28 2015 Kalimna Shiraz: Big, bold and brooding. Needs time to open up with its assertive American oak. 92 points. $45.

Penfolds Bin 150 2015 Marananga Shiraz: Simply delicious. Brightness, intensity, dark berries and oak. 95 points. $100.

Penfolds Bin 389 2015 Cabernet Shiraz: A blend of fruit from six different regions comes together impressively but sings rather than shouts. Excellent. 95 points. $95.

Penfolds 2014 St Henri: One of the stars of the show with pure fruit allowed to take centre stage. Brambly with plenty of length and enjoyable young. 97 points. $125.    

Penfolds 2015 Magill Estate: Intensity and personality in a wine that is beautifully knitted together like an Aran wool  jumper. Great structure and one for the cellar. 96 points. $130. 

Penfolds 2015 RWT Bin 798: Very sweet fruit with oak in the background. Wild berry flavours and overall deliciousness.97 points. $200.

Penfolds 2015 Bin 707 Cabernet Sauvignon: Cool-climate elegance and hints of eucalypt. Great architecture and will blossom in the cellar. 96 points. $500. 

And here is the 2013 Grange review: 
http://gourmetontheroad.blogspot.com.au/2017/10/sensorially-saturated-meet-2013.html

   


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