Red Wine

Red wine is a type of wine made from red grapes, which are dark purple to black in colour when they are unripe. It is produced by the complete or partial fermentation of crushed grapes, generally leading to an alcoholic content of 15%–20%. It can range from slightly dry to very sweet, and is typically paired with dishes that have strong flavours such as game, red meat, and strong cheeses.

Red wine has a long and rich history. The earliest known evidence of wine production comes from Georgia, where wild grape vines were found growing around 9,500 BC. Ancient Egyptians are thought to have been the first to cultivate red grapes, and it is believed that they used them in religious ceremonies. 

Romans were also early adopters of red wine, and they made it a part of their everyday lives. During the Middle Ages, red wine became very popular in Europe because it was seen as a luxurious drink. In fact, during the Crusades, red wine was even considered sacred because it was believed that it could protect soldiers from harm. 

During the 19th century, red wine began to gain popularity in America. In 1825, John Jacob Astor opened the first American winery, and by 1875, there were more than 1,000 wineries in the United States. Today, Americans consume more red wine than any other type of alcohol. 

One of the most famous red wines is Chianti Classico. Originally from Florence, Italy, Chianti is now produced all over the world and is one of the most popular brands of red wine.

Types of red wines

There are many types of red wines, but each has its own unique characteristics. Here are three of the most common types: 

  • Zinfandel: This wine is made from a blend of different types of grapes, including Pinot Noir, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon. The wine is usually light in colour with a fruity taste and sharp acidity. Zinfandel is often served cold with food or used in mixed drinks. 
  • Sauvignon Blanc: Sauvignon Blanc is a versatile wine that can be served cold or room temperature. It's typically made from a blend of Sauvignon Blanc and other white grapes, such as Chardonnay or Muscadelle. The wine has a delicate flavour and low acidity, making it ideal for pairing with seafood or poultry dishes. 
  • Cabernet Sauvignon: Cabernet Sauvignon is one of the most popular types of red wines. It's typically made from a blend of cabernet sauvignon and other red grapes, such as Merlot.

The different types of grapes used for wine production

When it comes to wine, there are many different types of grapes used. Red wine is made primarily from the Cabernet Sauvignon grape, while white wine is typically made from the Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc grapes. Reds are generally more complex tasting than whites, and vary greatly in their flavour profiles based on where they're from. 

Why we drink red wine

Red wine is often associated with celebrations and special occasions. But what is the story behind this beloved drink? Red wine has a long and complex history, one that goes back to ancient times. Here are five reasons why we love red wine: 

  1. Red wine is full of antioxidants: A study from the University of California at Davis found that Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Pinot Noir wines had the highest levels of antioxidants. These antioxidants can help protect against heart disease, cancer, and other age-related conditions.
  2. Red wine is a source of natural energy. In addition to being packed with antioxidants, red wine also contains glucose (sugar) and energy-boosting compounds like caffeine. This makes red wine a perfect choice for energy drinks or after dinner drinks.
  3. Red wine contains healthful nutrients like fibre and vitamins A and C. Many red wines are also high in polyphenols (antioxidants), which provide health benefits such as lowering cholesterol levels and protecting against chronic diseases such as heart disease and cancer.
  4. Red wine can improve your moods. Several studies have found that people who drink red wine are more relaxed.

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In stock
Weight: 1.300 kg
Introducing The Ochota Barrels Botanicals Basket Range 2023, a wine that embodies the essence of craftsmanship and family tradition. This exceptional creation began with a humble act – crushing beautiful Pinot Noir grapes from our neighboring vineyards and gently placing them in a small vessel. A few weeks later, in the warm embrace of our garden, we embarked on a magical journey with our children. Armed with little baskets, we meandered among the greenery, picking a symphony of herbs, flowers, fruits, and leaves. As we gathered these natural treasures, we couldn't help but share stories of Taras, our inspiration, and feed the chickens...
Ochota Barrels Home Pinot 2021 750ml
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Weight: 1.300 kg
In stock
Weight: 1.300 kg
Behold, the remarkable tenth iteration of our ever-evolving wine, and it's as delectable as it has ever been. In this year's creation, we've primarily featured the elegance of Pinot Noir, a grape that continues to shine in our vineyards. To craft a wine that is nothing short of extraordinary, we've woven in the subtle charms of Gewürztraminer, the boldness of Syrah, the vivacity of Gamay, and the character of Pinot Meunier. The result is a symphony of flavors that simply delights the palate. This wine is a radiant gem, bright and fleshy, destined to become your perfect springtime companion. Whether enjoyed in the warmth of the sun or...
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Weight: 1.300 kg
In stock
Weight: 1.200 kg
Discover the captivating world of Ochota Barrels, where every wine carries a fascinating and whimsical name. Among them, "The Green Room" beckons you to a behind-the-scenes world where performers prepare for their moment in the spotlight. This exquisite wine is a Grenache blend sourced from vines that have stood resilient since 1946. When you pour it into your glass, you'll be greeted by a mesmerizing shade of bright red tinged with a touch of pink. The aroma is nothing short of enchanting, with a nose that bursts forth in a symphony of perfumed notes. On the palate, "The Green Room" reveals its true character. It's supple, textured,...
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Weight: 1.300 kg
Allow us to introduce the enigmatic newcomer to the Ochota Barrels family, the intriguingly named "Where's the Pope? Syrah." This delightful creation originates from our younger vines, lovingly planted in 1996 within the verdant embrace of the Green Room Grenache vineyard in the heart of McLaren Vale. While McLaren Vale is renowned for its Shiraz, this wine is far from ordinary. It carries the hallmark perfume, elevation, and vitality that define the wines of Ochota Barrels. "Where's the Pope? Syrah" defies convention with its charm and grace. Unlike the typical McLaren Vale Shiraz, this wine is crafted with a gentle touch,...
Old School Graduates Cabernet Sauvignon [4 x 750ML] -10%
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Old School Graduates Cabernet Sauvignon ABV :15% Quantity : 4 Pack Country :AUSTRALIA
Old School Principal Shiraz 750ML -10%
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Old School Principal Shiraz 750ML ABV :15% Quantity : 1 Bottle Country :AUSTRALIA
Olivers Taranga Vineyards Shiraz 750ML -10%
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Olivers Taranga Vineyards Shiraz 750ML ABV :14.5% Quantity : 1 Bottle Country :AUSTRALIA
Organic Hill Preservative Free Shiraz 750ML -10%
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Organic Hill Preservative Free Shiraz 750ML ABV :14.5% Quantity : 1 Bottle Country :AUSTRALIA
Outback Jack Cabernet Merlot (750mL) -20%
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Weight: 1.600 kg
Aroma & Palate Hints of ripe dark cherries, plum & blackcurrant Type Cabernet Merlot Style Dry & rich From the Winemaker The Outback Jack Cab Merlot is a versatile wine crafted to capture the essence of Australian terroir. This blend of Cabernet and Merlot grapes offers a rich and inviting bouquet, with ripe dark cherries, plum and blackcurrant mixed with toasty oak. On the palate, it is smooth, velvety, and perfectly balanced. ABV (%): 13.8 Size:  750mL Country: Australia
Outback Jack Shiraz (750mL) -20%
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Weight: 1.600 kg
Aroma & Palate Hints of red currant, plum, & mocha Type Shiraz Style Rich & intricate From the Winemaker Journey into the heart of Australia with Outback Jack Shiraz. Named after the iconic Australian bushman, this wine pays homage to the rugged spirit of the outback. Crafted from handpicked Shiraz grapes grown in the sun-soaked vineyards of South Australia, it is a rich, bold red wine that captures the essence of the Australian landscape. This wine boasts a deep, full-bodied character with a luscious hue. Its aromatic nose offers a graceful perfume, while the palate is rich and...
Overexposed Cabernet Sauvignon 750ML -10%
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Overexposed Cabernet Sauvignon 750ML ABV :14.5% Quantity : 1 Bottle
Overexposed Shiraz 750ML -10%
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Overexposed Shiraz 750ML ABV :13.5% Quantity : 1 Bottle
Oyster Bay Marlborough Pinot Noir (750mL) -21%
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Weight: 1.500 kg
Aroma & Palate Ripe cherry, juicy, soft tannin Varietal Pinot Noir Style Silky & seductive From The Winemaker Our first vintage of Pinot Noir was coined ‘the elusive stuff of dreams’ by UK wine writer Giles Kime. A youthful expressiveness, with seductive silky complexity and dark fruit flavours from our vineyards across the Marlborough region. With Pinot Noir the fruit is always the primary focus. Marlborough’s warm days and cool nights make it an ideal climate for growing the famously temperamental grape. Matured in French oak barrels the result is fragrant, soft, and...
Oyster Bay Merlot 750ML -10%
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Oyster Bay Merlot 750ML ABV :13% Quantity : 1 Bottle Aged in French oak barriques to impart complexity, the heroes in our Oyster Bay Merlot are always freshness of ripe fruit, spice and soft tannins on the palate. A wonderful Merlot perfectly crafted to accompany any special moment.
Oyster Bay Pinot Noir 750ML -10%
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Oyster Bay Pinot Noir 750ML ABV :13% Quantity : 1 Bottle Country :NEW ZEALAND
Paringa Estate 2016 Estate Pinot Noir 375ML -10%
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Paringa Estate 2016 Estate Pinot Noir 375ML ABV :14.0% Quantity : 1 Bottle Country :AUSTRALIA
Paringa Estate Peninsula Pinot Noir 750ML -10%
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Paringa Estate Peninsula Pinot Noir 750ML ABV :13.5% Quantity : 1 Bottle Country :AUSTRALIA
Paringa Estate Peninsula Shiraz 750ML -10%
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Paringa Estate Peninsula Shiraz 750ML ABV :14.2% Quantity : 1 Bottle Country :AUSTRALIA
Paringa Estate Pinot Noir 750ML -10%
Paringa Estate Pinot Noir 750ML
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Paringa Estate Pinot Noir 750ML ABV :13% Quantity : 1 Bottle Country :AUSTRALIA
Paringa Estate The Paringa Shiraz 750ML -10%
Paringa Estate The Paringa Shiraz 750ML
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Paringa Estate The Paringa Shiraz 750ML ABV :14% Quantity : 1 Bottle Country :AUSTRALIA
In stock
Weight: 1.500 kg
A wine with a depth red colour; a warm nose that reveals intense aromas of plums, red fruit, spicy notes, vanilla, coffee and cocoa. On the palate, it is warm and round, full body and tannins are soft and velvety. Ideal with grilled or roasted red meats and seasoned cheeses.
In stock
Weight: 1.500 kg
A wine with a depth red colour; a warm nose that reveals intense aromas of plums, red fruit, spicy notes, vanilla, coffee and cocoa. On the palate, it is warm and round, full body and tannins are soft and velvety. Ideal with grilled or roasted red meats and seasoned cheeses.
Passing Clouds Bendigo Shiraz 2019 750mL
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Weight: 1.500 kg
The fruit is 100% de-stemmed and hand sorted before being traditionally vinified in open stainless-steel fermenters, which are hand plunged twice a day. A portion of batches saw post ferment maceration. All batches are matured in 100% French oak for 11 months – with only 10% new oak. The wine was given a light egg white fining and a coarse filtration prior to bottling. Colour: Deep purple colouring. Aroma: Vivacious red fruit characters, strawberry to plum, peppery and the quintessential chocolate. Palate: Blue fruits open into fine grained tannins, and a fresh acid line. Maraschino cherry juxtaposes complexing earthiness...
Passing Clouds Bendigo Shiraz 2019 750mL
In stock
Weight: 1.500 kg
The fruit is 100% de-stemmed and hand sorted before being traditionally vinified in open stainless-steel fermenters, which are hand plunged twice a day. A portion of batches saw post ferment maceration. All batches are matured in 100% French oak for 11 months – with only 10% new oak. The wine was given a light egg white fining and a coarse filtration prior to bottling. Colour: Deep purple colouring. Aroma: Vivacious red fruit characters, strawberry to plum, peppery and the quintessential chocolate. Palate: Blue fruits open into fine grained tannins, and a fresh acid line. Maraschino cherry juxtaposes complexing earthiness...
In stock
Weight: 1.500 kg
The Serpentine Shiraz is a luxury gifted to us. Bendigo produces such high-quality shiraz, we have the good fortune to be making a wine this potent, and this indulgent. The Serpentine is a wine built on being luscious, full of heft, exuberant, and damn good drinking. The Serpentine is only made in certain quality years. Aroma: This is a nose that leaps from the glass, potent sweet raspberry, thick plum juice, sits above a richness, chocolate and earth. Palate: The palate is velvety, tannin holds this wine upright with concentrated fruit, lifted by almost 50 days on skins. A finesse still holds in this wine, with subtle spice...
In stock
Weight: 1.500 kg
The Serpentine Shiraz is a luxury gifted to us. Bendigo produces such high-quality shiraz, we have the good fortune to be making a wine this potent, and this indulgent. The Serpentine is a wine built on being luscious, full of heft, exuberant, and damn good drinking. The Serpentine is only made in certain quality years. Aroma: This is a nose that leaps from the glass, potent sweet raspberry, thick plum juice, sits above a richness, chocolate and earth. Palate: The palate is velvety, tannin holds this wine upright with concentrated fruit, lifted by almost 50 days on skins. A finesse still holds in this wine, with subtle spice...
In stock
Weight: 1.500 kg
The Angel is a blend of our finest Cabernet Sauvignon barrels each year. After twelve months in oak, barrel selection occurs, with sampling to create the optimal blend. Once selected, the barrels are aged for an additional 5 months, after bottling 12 months of bottle maturation occurs to allow for some development, in a wine that regularly shows well at 20 years of age. The resultant wine is a sophisticated and extremely age-worthy expression of a cooler climate Cabernet Sauvignon. Aroma: Potent aromatics: intense kirche and fresh blackberry, with underlying bramble, picture walking by fresh blackberry patch on a crisp morning....
In stock
Weight: 1.500 kg
The Angel is a blend of our finest Cabernet Sauvignon barrels each year. After twelve months in oak, barrel selection occurs, with sampling to create the optimal blend. Once selected, the barrels are aged for an additional 5 months, after bottling 12 months of bottle maturation occurs to allow for some development, in a wine that regularly shows well at 20 years of age. The resultant wine is a sophisticated and extremely age-worthy expression of a cooler climate Cabernet Sauvignon. Aroma: Potent aromatics: intense kirche and fresh blackberry, with underlying bramble, picture walking by fresh blackberry patch on a crisp morning....
Paxton Ej 125 Yr Shiraz 750ML -10%
Paxton Ej 125 Yr Shiraz 750ML
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Paxton Ej 125 Yr Shiraz 750ML ABV :14.5% Quantity : 1 Bottle Country :AUSTRALIA
Peel Estate Old Vine Shiraz 750ML -10%
Peel Estate Old Vine Shiraz 750ML
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Peel Estate Old Vine Shiraz 750ML ABV :15% Quantity : 1 Bottle Country :AUSTRALIA
Penfolds 2019 Bin 128 Coonawarra Shiraz (750mL) -5%
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Weight: 1.500 kg
Aroma & Palate Juicy blackcurrant, mulberry, woodsmoke Varietal Shiraz Style Creamy & classic Our Notes One of Penfolds' first regionally-specific wines, taken entirely from the famed terra rossa soils of Coonawarra. From The Winemaker With each vintage release the cool-climate Bin 128 Coonawarra Shiraz provides an interesting counterpoint to the more opulent and richly concentrated warm climate Bin 28 Shiraz.   Bin 128 comprises fruit sourced from the unique terra rossa soils of Coonawarra, a region that exemplifies the perfume, transparency and...
Penfolds B150 Shiraz 2013 750ML -10%
Penfolds B150 Shiraz 2013 750ML
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Penfolds B150 Shiraz 2013 750ML ABV :14% Quantity : 1 Bottle Country :AUSTRALIA
Penfolds Barossa Valley Limited Edition Explorer Gift Pack -10%
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750mL @ 14.5% abv The Barossa Valley is like nowhere else on earth. An iconic wine region, a stronghold of shiraz and a unique geological site with soil dating back more than 200 million years. With the limited edition Barossa Valley Explorer pack, we celebrate the best of this famed region with two different expressions. Bin 150 is a stylish and contemporary shiraz born from the ancient soils of Marananga, while Bin 138 is a plush and approachable blend of shiraz, grenache and mataro. Give no ordinary gift with this unique travel pack. The Wines: Bin 150 is born from the ancient soils of Marananga, which lies very close to the centre...
Penfolds Barossa Valley Limited Edition Explorer Gift Pack -10%
In stock
750mL @ 14.5% abv The Barossa Valley is like nowhere else on earth. An iconic wine region, a stronghold of shiraz and a unique geological site with soil dating back more than 200 million years. With the limited edition Barossa Valley Explorer pack, we celebrate the best of this famed region with two different expressions. Bin 150 is a stylish and contemporary shiraz born from the ancient soils of Marananga, while Bin 138 is a plush and approachable blend of shiraz, grenache and mataro. Give no ordinary gift with this unique travel pack. The Wines: Bin 150 is born from the ancient soils of Marananga, which lies very close to the centre...
$13399 $14888
Penfolds Bin 123 Pinot Noir 750ML -10%
Penfolds Bin 123 Pinot Noir 750ML
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Penfolds Bin 123 Pinot Noir 750ML ABV :14.5% Quantity : 1 Bottle Country :AUSTRALIA
Penfolds Bin 128 Shiraz 17 750ML -10%
Penfolds Bin 128 Shiraz 17 750ML
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Penfolds Bin 128 Shiraz 17 750ML ABV :14.5% Quantity : 1 Bottle Country :AUSTRALIA
Penfolds Bin 128 Shiraz 750ML -10%
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Penfolds Bin 128 Shiraz 750ML ABV :14.5% Quantity : 1 Bottle Country :AUSTRALIA
Penfolds Bin 138 Grenache Shiraz Mourverde 750ML -10%
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Penfolds Bin 138 Grenache Shiraz Mourverde 750ML ABV :14.5% Quantity : 1 Bottle Country :AUSTRALIA
Penfolds Bin 150 Marananga Shiraz 2017 750mL @ 14.5% abv -10%
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Bin 150 Marananga Shiraz is a sub-regional expression that is unmistakably Penfolds in character. Conceived from the ancient soils of Marananga, which lie very close to the centre of the Barossa Valley floor – slightly to the North West, where warm dry conditions and rich red soil provide the backbone to some of the region’s best-known wines. Each release delivers a contemporary shiraz alternative, framed by a mix of oaks; French and American, old and new – crafted in accordance with the traditional Penfolds method.
Penfolds Bin 150 Marananga Shiraz 2017 750mL @ 14.5% abv -10%
In stock
Bin 150 Marananga Shiraz is a sub-regional expression that is unmistakably Penfolds in character. Conceived from the ancient soils of Marananga, which lie very close to the centre of the Barossa Valley floor – slightly to the North West, where warm dry conditions and rich red soil provide the backbone to some of the region’s best-known wines. Each release delivers a contemporary shiraz alternative, framed by a mix of oaks; French and American, old and new – crafted in accordance with the traditional Penfolds method.
$11599 $12888
Penfolds Bin 150 Shiraz 750ML -10%
Penfolds Bin 150 Shiraz 750ML
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Penfolds Bin 150 Shiraz 750ML ABV :14.5% Quantity : 1 Bottle Country :AUSTRALIA
Penfolds Bin 2 Shiraz Mataro 2018 750mL @ 14.5% abv -10%
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Bin 2 was first released in 1960, yet was temporarily 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 Rhône 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 mourvèdre, mataro was introduced to Australia in the 1830s. Often used in fortified wine production, this grape is widely planted in the Barossa Valley. It is valued by winemakers for its blending attributes, adding complexity and palate grip. Interest...
Penfolds Bin 2 Shiraz Mataro 2018 750mL @ 14.5% abv -10%
In stock
Bin 2 was first released in 1960, yet was temporarily 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 Rhône 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 mourvèdre, mataro was introduced to Australia in the 1830s. Often used in fortified wine production, this grape is widely planted in the Barossa Valley. It is valued by winemakers for its blending attributes, adding complexity and palate grip. Interest...
Penfolds Bin 2 Shiraz Mourvedre 750ML -10%
Penfolds Bin 2 Shiraz Mourvedre 750ML
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Penfolds Bin 2 Shiraz Mourvedre 750ML ABV :14% Quantity : 1 Bottle Country :AUSTRALIA
Penfolds Bin 23 Pinot Noir 2018 750mL -10%
Penfolds Bin 23 Pinot Noir 2018 750mL
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Bin 23’s name is derived from the place the wine matures, ‘Cellar 23’ at Magill Estate and follows in the footsteps of the success and development of the Penfolds Cellar Reserve Adelaide Hills Pinot Noir. Bin 23 Pinot Noir is a bold, and dynamic inclusion to the Penfolds red wine stable – reflecting an evolving style, regional definition and the complexities of the many and varied pinot noir clones. The relationship between Penfolds and cool-climate regions continues with the multi-regional sourcing of Bin 23 Pinot Noir.
Penfolds Bin 23 Pinot Noir 2018 750mL -10%
Penfolds Bin 23 Pinot Noir 2018 750mL
In stock
Bin 23’s name is derived from the place the wine matures, ‘Cellar 23’ at Magill Estate and follows in the footsteps of the success and development of the Penfolds Cellar Reserve Adelaide Hills Pinot Noir. Bin 23 Pinot Noir is a bold, and dynamic inclusion to the Penfolds red wine stable – reflecting an evolving style, regional definition and the complexities of the many and varied pinot noir clones. The relationship between Penfolds and cool-climate regions continues with the multi-regional sourcing of Bin 23 Pinot Noir.
Penfolds Bin 28 Kalimna Shiraz 2018 -10%
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Penfolds Bin 28 Kalimna Shiraz 2018 Kalimna® Bin 28 offers a showcase of warm-climate Australian shiraz – ripe, robust, and generously flavored. 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, Kalimna® Bin 28 is a multi-region, multi-vineyard blend, with the Barossa Valley always well represented. Size : 750Ml                    ABV : 14.5%