Vibrant deep crimson; the polished nature of this wine delivers a seductive blend of sweet black and red fruits, violets and seamlessly integrated oak; the palate is medium-bodied lively and silky, with precise acidity, line and tremendous length. Modern, and perfectly put together. Drink to 2020.
Source: James Halliday. January, 2012

If this is any indication of what 2010 has in store from the Penfolds stable, we have much to look forward to. In its early release guise, Bin 128 is barely ready to assess, let alone drink, but with vigorous swirling there is a pretty violet perfume to be coaxed out of the glass. The palate is more revealing, with a wonderful fruit profile of classic Coonawarra primary black plum skin, black pepper and firm, fine, textural tannins. One-third new French oak offers subtle hints of dark chocolate. A $4 price rise this year is well worth paying. Drink 2018 - 2025.
Source: Tyson Stelzer.

"Penfolds has been making Bin 128 since 1962. From the 1980 vintage onwards it’s been matured in all French oak. A single region wine, in French oak (32 percent new), and now released out-of-vintage-step from the other bins. It’s something of an oddfellow of the Penfolds bin range, and tends to divide Penfolds loyalists accordingly.

Nice release. Clearly it was a year where Coonawarra shiraz got good and ripe. Lots of spice here too – five spice more than pepper. Sweet kirsch, plums and raspberries. Gentle meatiness. Sweet musky oak on the finish. Neat and clean. One of those ‘precision engineering’ wines. Fresh, bright fruit with a smidge of oak. Accomplished, appealing red wine."

Rated : 92+ Points
Alcohol : 14.5%
Closure : Screwcap
Drink : 2016 - 2024+

Campbell Mattinson, The Wine Front, 24 February 2012