When I first offered these, the general reaction was... why? Novelty wine? Well, the critical reviews are unanimous... Not only are the wines delicious, they offer relative value compared to similarly rated wines! 

These are in store now. Supply is very limited.

Penfolds Cabernet Sauvignon Bin 149 2018 - Sale $125.99 – 97 pts James Suckling / 96 pts Vinous / 96 pts Decanter / 95 pts Wine Enthusiast / 95 pts Wine Advocate- 100% Cabernet Sauvignon with 85% from Napa and 14.9% from Australia. “Lots of blackberry, currant, light chocolate and hazelnut. This is rather dense and plush, but shows impressive layers of tannins that have a rough-velvet texture. Juicy and intense fruit. The grapes come from the AVAs of Rutherford, Calistoga, Oakville and then spread across Napa. 14.9% comes from South Australia. A global wine. In the end, it’s nicely toned and curated. Needs three or four years to come together. Try after 2025.” JS

• “This wine is a blend of grapes from Napa Valley (85.1%) and South Australia (14.9%). A tannic structure gives way to a welcome juiciness of tangy cranberry and currant flavors. French and American oak aging impart a moderate level of toast and vanilla tones, with accents of cedar, dried herbs and black pepper chiming in. The bright acidity lasts through a long, supple finish.”WE
• The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Bin 149 is a blend of fruit from Rutherford, Calistoga and Oakville plus 15% South Australia Cabernet. Inky, deep and unctuous, the 2018 is a total knock-out. Although quite opulent and rich in feel, the 2018 also has tons of backing structure to balance things out. All the elements come together effortlessly. It was aged in 100% new oak, 80% French and 20% American.

Penfolds Cabernet Sauvignon Bin 704 (Napa Valley) 2018 - Sale $59.99 – 96 pts Wine Enthusiast /  95 pts Decanter / 95 pts James Suckling / 93 pts Vinous - “A beautiful,aromatic wine with blackcurrant, cool fruit and hints of minerals and tar. Full-bodied, yet polished and really well manicured. Long and creamy. Shows tension, energy and refinement. Drink after 2024, but so beautiful already. Hard not to drink.” JS

• “This is the first vintage of the Australian producer’s foray into Napa Valley. It is tightly structured yet supple, bursting in bright currant and strawberry flavors. Savory components of sage, dried herb and black pepper dot the palate alongside silky tannins and chocolate-laced richness. A fresh touch of blood orange arises on the finish. Enjoy from 2028 – 2033.” WE
• The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Bin 704 is rich and effusive, with all of the personality of the vintage on display. Sweet spice, mocha, dark raspberry jam, licorice and leather all take shape in the glass. Medium in body, with bright acids, the 2018 will drink well with minimal cellaring. It is another super attractive wine in this new lineup from Penfolds, but it is also a bit tight and in need of a few years in bottle. VM

Penfolds Cabernet Sauvignon / Shiraz Bin 600 2018 - Sale $44.99 – 93 pts James Suckling / 93 pts Wine Enthusiast / 92 pts Vinous  / 92 pts Decanter - 78% Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa & Sonoma) / 22% Shiraz (Camatta Hills Vineyard, Paso) “ A very fine and polished red with cherry, berry, chocolate and cedar aromas and flavors. Some spice and meat with hints of tea leaf. Some ash, too. Medium body and extremely refined texture, showing real balance and elegance. The tannins spread across the palate in a beautiful way. 78% cabernet sauvignon and 22% shiraz.” JS

• ”This is a blend of 78% Napa Valley and Sonoma-grown Cabernet Sauvignon and 22% Shiraz from Paso Robles. IT is a smooth and earthy wine that offers flavors of leather, earth, iron and crushed rock cut against herbal accents.” WE

• The 2018 Cabernet Shiraz Bin 600 is the entry-level wine in this new range from Penfolds. Bold and racy to the core, the 2018 possesses terrific richness and tons of allure. Blackberry jam, dried flowers, espresso, licorice and leather build in a sumptuous, opulent wine that will be very easy to drink upon release. The blend of 78% Cabernet Sauvignon and 22% Shiraz from sites in Napa Valley, Sonoma and Paso Robles works so well here. It spent 16 months in American oak, 40% new.