Penfolds is Australiaâs most iconic wine producer, and Bin 128 is one of its longest-running single-region expressions. Since its first release in 1962, Bin 128 has showcased the elegant, spice-driven Shiraz style of Coonawarra, contrasting the richer, more opulent Shiraz expressions from the Barossa Valley.
Vineyard
Bin 128 is sourced predominantly from Coonawarraâs terra rossa soils, famed for producing wines of structure, minerality, and distinctive cool-climate character. The 2002 vintage benefited from excellent growing conditions, allowing Shiraz to ripen slowly, retaining natural acidity and fine tannin structure.
Vintage
2002 was one of the standout vintages in South Australia, particularly for red wines. A cool, even growing season delivered grapes of superb balance and flavour intensity. For Coonawarra Shiraz, this translated into wines with remarkable freshness, purity of fruit, and long-term cellaring potential.
Tasting Notes
The 2002 Penfolds Bin 128 Shiraz shows a deep crimson hue with garnet edges. Aromas of blackberry, plum, and mulberry are layered with pepper, spice, leather, and subtle cedar. The palate is medium-bodied yet concentrated, offering black fruits, earthy notes, and savoury spice framed by fine-grained tannins. Oak is seamlessly integrated, providing balance without overpowering the fruit. The finish is long, elegant, and classically Coonawarra.
Criticsâ Acclaim
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92 points â Robert Parkerâs Wine Advocate
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90 points â Wine Spectator
Widely recognised as one of the best Bin 128 vintages of the early 2000s, praised for its definition, balance, and aging capacity.
Technical Information
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Region: Coonawarra, South Australia
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Variety: 100% Shiraz
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Alcohol: ~13.5%
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Maturation: 12 months in French oak (25% new)
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Closure: Cork
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Drinking Window: 2008â2030
A Collectible Gem
The 2002 Bin 128 is a textbook example of Coonawarra Shirazâmedium-bodied, spice-driven, and beautifully structured. Nearly two decades on, it remains an elegant and collectible expression of Penfoldsâ regional mastery.
