Penfolds, Bin 170 Shiraz Size:3x750ml plum and earthy profile shows

plum and earthy profile shows how well the best wines of Fronsac can age

seaweedy woodsmoke with ripe dark fruit aromas and a hint of raisin and prune

intense and focused big-bodied and overtly muscular flavors that are beautifully precise on the incredibly backward and austere finish

Moderate reduction once again suppresses the underlying fruit though it does seem ripe

Penfolds, Bin 170 Shiraz Size:3x750ml plum and earthy profile showsThis is only the second release since 1973 from Block 3C of Penfolds Kalimna vineyard, whose centenarian vines regularly contribute to Grange. Ringing the changes, Bin 170 was matured in French oak hogsheads, 55% new, for 16 months. The palate is saturated with star anise edged blackberry and blood plum fruit which rises in tandem with an exceptionally fine swathe of tannins, polished to a high sheen. Accessible yet slippery, there's much more to come.