At a glance

Producer

Penfolds

Region

Barossa Valley, South Australia, Australia

Grape variety

Shiraz, Grenache, Mataro (Mourvèdre)

Wine type

Red

Body

Full-bodied and Bold

Sweetness

Dry

Typical price

$30-$45 USD

Tasting profile

Juicy dark cherries, plum, blackberry, baking spices, dried herbs, anise, and subtle oak. Aromatic Grenache and bold, supple Shiraz interplay. Mataro adds earth and structure.

Evolution: With age, shifts toward more savory notes—leather, black olive, dried herbs, smoky spice—while primary fruit slowly mellows.

At peak: Integrated fruit and savory complexity, with polished tannins and well-resolved finish.

Structure

Acidity

Medium, sufficient for aging but approachable in youth

Tannins

Medium to medium-high (but ripe and polished, derived from both Shiraz and Mataro)

Alcohol

Typically around 14.5%

Aging potential

Solid for a mid-tier wine; best over 8-12 years from vintage

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2026 to 2030

Optimal window

2024 to 2032

Current status

Youthful, can be enjoyed now but will benefit from aging

Current condition

Vibrant, energetic fruit and fine structure; primary and early secondary notes emerging

This blend, while robust, is crafted for approachability and medium-term cellaring rather than the extended aging of Penfolds’ top icons. In quality vintages, it impresses with freshness for up to 10-12 years, with its best expression between years 5-8 as fruit and secondary notes marry.

Food pairing

Ideal with grilled lamb chops, barbecued beef, game meats, North African spiced dishes, roasted vegetables, rich stews, or hard aged cheeses.

Serving

Serving temperature

16-18°C / 61-64°F

Decant

Yes (30-60 minutes) — Opens up primary fruit, integrates tannins, and dissipates any youthful reduction—especially in the first 5 years after the vintage.

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 6/10

Penfolds has improved water use efficiency (drip irrigation, mulching), utilises renewable energy at select sites, and implements native habitat plantings and Integrated Pest Management. Glass weight reduction and recycled packaging for some lines, though less so for export.

Penfolds participates in Australia's widely respected sustainability initiatives and takes some steps to lower their resource use. However, there are no specific third-party organic or biodynamic credentials for Bin 138, and its global distribution increases its overall carbon footprint. Penfolds’ scale means incremental progress, but this is not a leader class for deep environmental certifications.