Penfolds Bin 2 Shiraz Mataro – 75cl

OVERVIEW

Bin 2 was first released in 1960, yet was temporarily discontinued in Australia in the 1970s at the height of the white wine boom. The original Bin 2 was an Australian Burgundy style (despite its Rhône varieties) – typically a soft, medium-bodied wine based on shiraz. The Bin 2 blend of shiraz and mataro is still relatively uncommon in Australian table wines. Also known as monastrell or mourvèdre, mataro was introduced to Australia in the 1830s. Often used in fortified wine production, this grape is widely planted in the Barossa Valley and McLaren Vale experienced below average winter rainfall, while in the South East, Wrattonbully and Padthaway were slightly above average. September was generally cool and dry with good conditions for budburst and flowering. Summer was generally warm with high temperatures delaying the onset of veraison. Carefully managed irrigation was vital to keep vines in good health during these hot spells. The cooling effect of the Southern Ocean played an important role in moderating temperatures allowing for a high-quality harvest, albeit with smaller yields than average.