Penfolds Bin 21 Grenache

Penfolds Bin 21 Grenache is a recent addition to the sought after Penfolds range – and what a beauty it is! Grenache (aka Garnacha in some parts of the wine world) has a long history in the Barossa Valley dating back to plantings in the 1930s. Penfolds released their first 100% Grenache back in 2002 under the label “Cellar Reserve Barossa Valley Grenache”. By the way, if you have a bottle of that in your cellar there are collectors out there that’ll snap your hand off for it!

Marking 21 years since that first Grenache release the new label was thus named Bin 21.

This is the latest 2024 release of Bin 21 using a blend of Barossa and McLaren Vale fruit and, in their own words, Penfolds call it “A modern interpretation of the varietal, nodding to tradition, balancing fruit-forward charm with structural depth, promising a sensory journey from first sip to lingering finish.”. Here’s what some other Aussie critics had to say…

95/100 (James Halliday’s Wine Companion)
“The Bin 21 Grenache has been in fine form lately and again impresses with the ’24 release. A vibrant medium crimson in the glass with aromas of red and dark plum, boysenberry, raspberry and wild strawberry. Hints of exotic spice, cola, pomegranate juice, earth and gingerbread. Pure plummy fruits on the palate with hints of ginger cake. A cloud of nice fine tannin provides some gentle chew to its form, and there is a plume of pure fruit and spice on the exit.”

91/100 (Huon Hooke, The Real Review)
“Medium depth of colour; gentle spices and red fruits to sniff, the palate has good middle focus and is supple and rounded, with gentle silty tannins and medium length. Medium-light bodied and neatly balanced. (Barossa Valley & McLaren Vale)”

A medium bodied style red like Grenache with its juicy raspberry and cranberry fruit flavours will pair nicely with lamb, pork and poultry dishes. Drink now to 2035.