Bin 138 draws its inspiration from the wines of Southern Rhne, where shiraz, grenache and mataro (mourvdre) are blended in varying proportions to create full-bodied wines possessing rich and heady perfume. Each year fruit for Bin 138 is sourced from Barossa Valley vines and then matured in seasoned and a small proportion of new oak hogsheads to allow the different varietals to shine through. The first vintage release of this varietal blend was the 1992, labelled Old Vine Barossa Valley it was then elevated to Bin status with the 1998 vintage.

GRAPE VARIETY Grenache (50%), Shiraz (44%), Mataro (6%)

MATURATION 12 months French (10% new) and American (2% new) oak barrels

COLOUR Purple, crimson rim

NOSE Grenache fruits to the fore. A swirl and a sniff are enough to provide a metaphorical trip to the Arabian spice souk. Whole pimento, fenugreek, pink peppercorns, anise and musk. There is a lovely lift, with notes of cola, balsamic glazed ham, poached quince, sloe berry and Campari. German schwarzwlder (gteau) cake. On further inspection, there is a mouth-watering savoury tea-smoked duck aromatic.

PALATE All three varietals play a complementary role. There is a lovely juby fruit like flavour profile, not over-ripe in the least. Exotic black and red fruits abound: lingonberries, logan berries, olallieberries, red currants. Green tomato salsa and lemon myrtle olives add a savoury dimension. The acidity is taught and bright, while the tannins are very fine. The wine has a lovely structure and is already drinking beautifully. Offers plenty of versatility for food pairing.

PEAK DRINKING Now 2035

LAST TASTED April 2023