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Bin 2 was first released in 1960, yet was 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 Rhone 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 Mourvedre, Mataro was introduced to Australia in the 1830s. Sometimes used in fortified wine production, this grape is widely planted in the Barossa Valley. It is greatly valued by winemakers for its blending attributes, adding complexity and palate grip. Interest in Bin 2 has grown as the popularity of traditional Rhone varieties and blends continues to flourish. t’s bold and dark, creamy and concentrated, with blackberried fruit, suede-like notes, clove and vanilla cream all laid on. This wasn’t bottled at the time of the annual tasting so a review bottle was sent: I opened it and promptly polished off more than I’d care to responsibly admit. It has both heaviness and heat but it swooshes through the mouth with confidence and ease.

Bin 28 offers a showcase of warm-climate Australian Shiraz – ripe, robust and generously flavoured. First made in 1959, Bin 28 is named after the famous Barossa Valley Kalimna Vineyard purchased by Penfolds in 1945 and from which the wine was originally sourced. Today, Bin 28 is a multi-region, multi-vineyard blend, with the Barossa Valley always well represented.

Classic and dark with graphite, flint, char, black jelly bean notes on the nose. Full and expansive palate featuring an immersion of flavour saturation and a textural continuum across the palate. Persistent length and flavour, finishing firm and assertive.

Langton Classification: Excellent (Australian wines of consistent merit. Steadfast, popular and expressive)

Bin 8 has been crafted in the traditional Penfolds style. Ripe, balanced fruit flavours are supported by softly integrated oak resulting in a silky, smooth Red Wine. It was introduced in response to an interest in Cabernet Shiraz blends – a classic Australian wine style that caught the attention of the international wine media. Although Bin numbers were originally named after the original binning location after bottling, Bin 8 was given its number because it uses older oak previously used for Bin 128, Bin 28 and Bin 389 – with ‘8’ obviously providing the common thread.

Boysenberry ice cream flavours flesh out the sumptuous palate, bolstered by Moroccan tagine spices and cumin roasted pumpkin. Earthy spices are rounded out by an invigorating red currant succulence. Tannins are powdery clearly showing the influence of cabernet sauvignon. A very focussed wine with plenty of flesh ably supported by well integrated oak.

Savitar, the flagship Mitolo Shiraz, is powerful yet elegant, opulent, brooding and intense. Immense lift, the aromatics are an incredibly intense amalgam of blackcurrant, menthol, licorice and cedar oak. The palate shows a hugely complex flavor profile befitting of its pedigree. Characters of black fruits, dried herbs, and earthy tones of licorice and savory leather.