Penfolds Bin 600 Cabernet Shiraz – 2018

Named for their original California vineyard, the Creston “600” Ranch, Penfolds Bin 600 Cabernet Shiraz is intrinsically linked to the American Dream they embarked on more than 20 years ago.  Today, Bin 600 is made with grapes grown from the original heritage selection of vine cuttings they first planted back in 1998—a taste of the esteemed Kalimna and Magill Estate vineyards, brought to America in a signature Penfolds blend.

Sourced from Napa Valley, Paso Robles, and Sonoma this 78% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Shiraz has notes of clove, sage, and turmeric spices that divert to cold coffee grounds, raw coconut kernals, and jasmine tea on the nose. It is medium bodied with a glycerous texture and a backbone of sweet licorice brimming with potent aniseed.  Radiating from this backbone is pepper-rubbed pastrami, rare roast beef, cocoa dusting, semi-dried dates, and freshly harvested persimmons with an open textural weave. 

93 points—Wine Enthusiast

93 points—James Suckling

Penfolds Bin 704 Cabernet Sauvignon—2018

The mirror image of its Australian Bin 407 stablemate, Penfolds Bin 704 Cabernet Sauvignon seeks to showcase California fruit through the lens of Penfolds winemaking tradition. Mindful of regional nuances and regional essence, it redefines all that Napa Valley Cabernet can be.

Sourced entirely from Napa Valley this wine has savory expressions that lead the charge in the form of carpaccio-style red meats, bay leaf, and wild thyme on the nose.  Dark Cabernet fruits transfer from the nose to the palate with a silk-like flow. Animated and lithe yet somewhat restrained, it has a humble personality but with the quiet conviction of Napa.

96 points—Wine Enthusiast

95 points—James Suckling

Penfolds Bin 149 Cabernet Sauvignon—2018

Penfolds Bin 149 derives its name from the percentage of South Australian Cabernet Sauvignon (14.9%) that’s woven into the blend. Its unique worldly disposition sets it apart from other California wines and is a testament to the power of the legendary Penfolds House Style. A wine both distinctive and of distinction, Bin 149 showcases a multidimensional palate of strong Napa Valley tannins and intense dark fruit, with an Australian twist.

Aromas are focused, with sweet iced tea, savory caperberries and characters of mocha and kirsch taper to a precise point. Classically Penfolds in character yet altogether different in structure, the palate features fine, close-knit tannins and a menthol lift with flavors of cedar, sandalwood, and roasted meats. Bright acidity provides succulence and a sustained finish to create a wine like no other in the world.

96 points—James Suckling

95 points—Wine Enthusiast