Penfolds, Bin 170 Shiraz Vintage:2010

Penfolds, Bin 170 Shiraz Vintage:2010This is only the second release since 1973 from Block 3C of Penfolds Kalimna vineyard, whose centenarian vines regularly contribute to Grange. Ringing the changes, Bin 170 was matured in French oak hogsheads, 55% new, for 16 months. The palate is saturated with star anise edged blackberry and blood plum fruit which rises in tandem with an exceptionally fine swathe of tannins, polished to a high sheen. Accessible yet slippery, there's much more to come.

black fruits plus a beautiful perfumed undercurrent

restrained and elegant aromas of ripe red and blue pinot fruit and wet stone nuances that enjoy added refinement from the presence of dried floral elements though the stems are presently visible

These single vineyard releases were easily some the most impressive wines I was able to taste during my trip through the region

The parcels that contribute to Les Terres Fines were planted between the 1950s and 2014

I hesitate to predict

The nose of Sénéchaux's 2007 Chateauneuf du Pape has moved into the earthy-meaty spectrum

whereas the palate of this medium-bodied and linear wine is firmly structured

Some riper plum and spiced figs on the nose with dark coal smoke

glycerin-imbued finish

This is a wine coming into its own with plenty more energy still

Needs time to unwind

(93-96)/2026+