Penfolds Bin 169 2021

Bin 169 is Penfolds' Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon, drawn from one of Australia's most distinctive red wine regions. Coonawarra is defined by its terra rossa, a thin band of red clay loam over limestone that drains freely and reflects warmth onto the vines, and by a cool maritime climate that ripens Cabernet slowly and fully. That combination gives the grape its bright fruit, firm tannins and a leafy, minty lift typical of the area. The wine is aged for 17 months in French oak barrels, where slow oxygen exchange knits the tannins together and adds cedar, vanilla and fine spice that frame rather than mask the fruit. It is deep crimson with a magenta core and a nose of red and black cherry, blackcurrant, redcurrant, eucalyptus and mint over dark chocolate and cedar. The palate is structured and concentrated, with firm fine-grained tannins, bright acidity and a long, savoury, oak-spiced finish that will reward cellaring. Serve at 17 to 18 degrees and decant for an hour. It calls for rich red meat.