Bin 138 draws its inspiration from the wines of Southern Rhône, where shiraz, grenache and mataro (mourvèdre) are blended in varying proportions to create full-bodied wines possessing rich and heady perfume. Each year fruit for Bin 138 is sourced from Barossa Valley vines and then matured for 12 months in seasoned and a small proportion of new oak hogsheads to allow the different varietals to shine through. The first vintage release of this varietal blend was the 1992, labelled ‘Old Vine Barossa Valley’ – it was then elevated to Bin status with the 1998 vintage.
Tasting Notes
Colour: Dark crimson red.
Nose: Multi-faceted, enchanting. A gentle swirl reveals a complex aromatic exhibit of sweet, scented fruits and warm, savoury notes. Antipasto platter, each morsel competing for attention. Charcuterie meats: Spanish chorizo, soppressata, mortadella. Fresh pomegranate, sliced ripe persimmons and semi-dried red currants. Green olives, grilled eggplant and white anchovies. Overlaying these exotic aromatic notes are more subtle aromas of warm spices: dried fennel and star anise. Undertones of fragrant Sunday roast pan scrapings and hints of ferrous iron stone brings the Barossa Valley to front of mind.
Palate: An abundance of flavoursome fruit. Shiraz is our hero, selected for its fine savoury tannins, dark fruit and generosity across the mid-palate. Grenache tannins, exotic red fruits and lively acid provide ample tension. Mataro plays the anchor role, binding the palate into a harmonious balance with dusty, textural, mouth filling tannins. The tannins combined feel massaged and ground, quietly confident. The acidity is fresh and enticing. The palate is plush, complete. A generous, balanced all-rounder. Certainly not over extracted or pumped up. All together an enticing, complex, evolving wine, with a creamy texture, lively freshness and a willingness to delight from the first sip.
