2010 Penfolds, Bin 170 Kalimna Shiraz, Block 3C, Barossa Valley, Australia

In 1973, Penfolds crafted an experimental Bin 170 sourced entirely from the 19th-century Kalimna Vineyard in the Barossa Valley. 100% Shiraz, all of the grapes were picked from Block 3C – a venerated parcel that is often included in the Grange blend. In 2010, the Penfolds winemakers kept Block 3C separate, realising they had the potential to re-create a Penfolds classic – a one-off to commemorate the 160th anniversary of the brand. TA 6.4 g/l, pH 3.51. 16 months in French oak hogsheads 55% new, 45% one-year-old). Fantastic vintage, described by Gago as 'the millennium vintage a decade too late'. 

They wanted to make something distinctive for the anniversary. Black core. Very intense, very ripe, sweet spice. Floral lift too. Violets. Much more savoury on the palate, rich in dark chocolate and cedary too. Top-notch French oak offsets the ripe sweetness of the fruit. Very concentrated. And has a lovely dry tannic finish. At the moment, less complex than the Grange, but it has really great purity and depth and very fine lines and should turn into a beauty.

Drink 2018 - 2040

Dark purple. A pungent bouquet displays scents of ripe blackberry and cassis, vanilla, floral pastilles, clove and woodsmoke. Deep, supple and sweet, offering black and blue fruit flavors accented by black pepper and licorice. Broad, rich and lively, with fine-grained tannins that give focus and grip to the finish.

Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2010 Bin 170 Kalimna Shiraz is only the second-ever release of this Bin with 1973 being the first vintage release. It has an attractive and very youthful blackberry and cherry nose accented by notes of violets, wild blueberries and cedar with touches of earth. Full-bodied, rich and built like a brick house, it has firm, fine tannins with bright acid that finishes with a concentrated and long length.

Drink 2017 - 2027

This 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.

Drink 2028 - 2050