Penfolds 2012 Bin 9 Cabernet Sauvignon

At the same time as Penfolds was unveiling its new 2009 Grange and host of other premium wines, what got a little lost in the shuffle was the release of some affordable bin wines from the cracking 2012 vintage. The Bin 138 Barossa Shiraz Grenache Mataro ($40) and the Bin 8 Cabernet Shiraz, a more approachable, drink-now red-fruited style for $45 were among them. This new release, however, offers great value for my money. It is a multi-regional blend sourced from vineyards across South Australia (including McLaren Vale, Langhorne Creek, Wrattonbully, the Barossa, Padthaway and Coonawarra) that offers immediate pleasure but will also cellar well for several years. Cassis, green leaf and spice notes jostle on the nose, leading on to a tight, intense palate with dark fruits, earthiness and spice along with classy French and American oak notes and savoury tannin structure. A most impressive debut. $30.