Penfolds Bin 138 GSM Shiraz Grenache Mataro 2019

tasting note:
(2019 vintage) “What’s new is old most of the time at Penfolds. Bin 138 Shiraz Grenache Mataro (Mourvèdre) is a traditional regional blend based on old vines that date to 1895. The initial vintages (1992–1997) were released as GSMs. In 1998 it was elevated to Bin status, befitting its true inspiration via the wines of Southern Rhône. The French mix shiraz, grenache, and mourvèdre in varying amounts depending on their source, but all are rich, full-bodied reds. The fruit for Bin 138 is sourced from old Barossa Valley vines (some more than 100 years old) and matured 12 to 15 months in seasoned oak barrels. Despite the steep competition of the 2021 Collection tasting, Bin 138 easily holds its own while exuding a comfortable, cozy, easy-drinking style. Strawberries enlivened by pomegranate will make your mouth water on the way to richer, spicy, savoury-laced fruit with supple tannins. The final blend is a 70/17/13 mix of grenache, shiraz, and mataro all out of the Barossa. There is no new oak, but they use smaller barriques. A lovely drop at 14.1 percent alcohol, and a bargain price. (Anthony Gismondi).” – 90/100, Gismondi on Wine