At a glance

Producer

Penfolds

Region

Coonawarra, South Australia, Australia

Grape variety

Shiraz

Wine type

Red

Body

Full-bodied and Bold

Sweetness

Dry

Typical price

$45-70

Tasting profile

Mature. Aromas and flavors of dried blackberry, mulberry, black cherry, earth, mocha, tobacco, eucalyptus, cedar, and leather. Softened tannins and integrated acidity. Tertiary complexity is prominent.

Evolution: Lost much primary fruit. Developing classic mature Coonawarra/old Shiraz character: savory, earthy, dried fruits, cedar, forest floor.

At peak: At peak from roughly 2008–2013; now showing evolved and secondary notes, with best bottles retaining elegance and spice.

Structure

Acidity

Medium

Tannins

Medium to medium-high (softened with age)

Alcohol

13.5%–14.5%

Aging potential

20+ years in great cellars, but most bottles have peaked. 2000 is an average vintage, requiring a slightly earlier drinking window than top years.

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2008 to 2013

Optimal window

2005 to 2015

Current status

Late maturity, may still have depth if well stored

Current condition

Likely fully mature; tertiary notes dominate; best bottles are to be enjoyed now. Will dry and decline soon for most cellared examples.

Penfolds Bin 128, especially in ordinary (rather than great) vintages, typically ages well for 15-20 years due to its structure, but the 2000 vintage was weaker and most bottles have reached or just passed their plateau. Still, well-kept bottles can surprise with complexity and charm, but should not be cellared further.

Food pairing

Chargrilled lamb, roast duck, braised beef brisket, aged cheddar, grilled vegetables with Mediterranean herbs, mushroom risotto.

Serving

Serving temperature

16-18°C / 61-64°F

Decant

Yes (30-45 minutes) — To remove sediment and allow mature aromatics to open up. Handle gently; do not over-aerate older bottles.

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 5/10

Standard large-scale Australian viticulture in 2000; improved sustainability in later decades with water conservation, biodiversity projects, reduced pesticides. Bin 128 is not organic or biodynamic.

In 2000, Penfolds was not a leader in environmental certifications or organic/biodynamic farming. Subsequent improvements mean more sustainable practices for recent vintages, but the 2000 vintage reflects conventional agriculture and elevated carbon costs for export. Packaging and energy use were standard; more recyclable materials and efficiency have been adopted since. Overall, this vintage ranks average for mainstream Australian reds of its era in sustainability, with improvements by Penfolds in more recent years.