@Viridianne and me had the privilege of sampling the new Penfolds Collection of 2018 at Dan Murphy's a few days ago.
We got to sample:
- Penfolds Bin 95 Grange 2014
- Penfolds St Henri Shiraz 2015
- Penfolds RWT Bin 789 Barossa Valley Shiraz 2016
- Penfolds Reserve Bin 17A Adelaide Hills Chardonnay 2017
- Penfolds Bin 150 Marananga Shiraz 2016
- Penfolds Bin 389 Cabernet Shiraz 2016
- Penfolds Bin 407 Cabernet Sauvignon 2016
- Penfolds Bin 28 Kalimna Shiraz 2016
The wines were all embryonically young, with the exception of the Bin 17A. But, my, they showed huge promise.
The standouts were the Grange, the RWT and the 389.
The 2014 Grange got a Wozza 97.5/100 based on its undoubted world class experience that will show between 2034 and 2044. It's not a 2012 and the like. But it's still a quality Grange.
The 2016 RWT was my WOTN. The nose, hypnotising. The mouthfeel, big and opulent. It's the wine I will be targeting to buy (as cheaply as AFF will show it!!). It got a Wozza 97/100.
The 2016 389 was beautifully balanced and more approachable than many of the others. Another stunning nose. Lots of creamy mocha on the palate. Probably the best value.
The 2015 St Henri was good, but a little heady. Packed with flavour and texture. But overshadowed by the RWT.
I'm reserving my position on the 17A, 150 and 407. They were really nice. But there's better value to be had elsewhere at this level.
The 2016 28 was super tight and had lots of alcohol heat. I suspect it will be a 20-25 year wine. But I'll want to try again in 2 years time to see if the balance is there. So I won't be buying any 28s this year.
Reading the critics scores, I see the 707 is the actual standout. But, wow, the price is top BDX level. So I doubt I'll ever find out how good it is.