No introduction whatsoever is needed to Penfold’s and Hardy’s, two of the mainstays of Australian wine. 1996 was an excellent year throughout South Australia for red wine, reflected in the strong performance of the two wines tasted here. Both have held up very well 15 years on from vintage (yes, 1996 was 15 years ago!).
From Penfolds, Bin 128 Shiraz, made entirely from Coonawarraa fruit, arguably lives in the shadow of Bin 389 and the Kalimna Bin 28 Barossa Shiraz. Yet, in better years, it can be a very good wine, capable of ageing for 15 or so years with grace. 1996 is indeed an excellent example, with notes of tar, menthol and blackberry. Although the primary fruit has receded, it is holding on very well.
1996 Hardy’s Tintara Shiraz was a monster when originally released; a deep crimson enormously intense wine that had clearly seen extended time in new oak barrels, a significant proportion of which must surely have been American. Time has seen some sense of elegance emerge, and the primary fruit has faded somewhat, though in truth, it hasn’t delivered enormous complexity and isn’t likely to. It’s a good rather than great wine for lovers of well made traditional Aussie powerhouse Shiraz.
1996 BIN 128 COONAWARRA SHIRAZ
Producer: Penfolds
Variety: Syrah/Shiraz
Vintage: 1996
Region: Coonawarra, South Australia
ABV: 13.5%
Price: N/a
Closure: Natural cork
Format: 750ml
Date tasted: 21 September 2011
Tasting Note:
Deep ruby fading gradually to the rim. Some evolution on the nose. Tar, menthol, blackberry and charcoal. Dry, full bodied, tannins are fully resolved, primary fruit has faded, tar. Moderate complexity. Decent length. Drinking well now and unlikely to improve further.
Score: 16/20
1996 TINTARA SHIRAZ
Producer: Hardy’s
Variety: Syrah/Shiraz
Vintage: 1996
Region: McLaren Vale, South Australia
ABV: 14.5%
Price: N/a
Closure: Natural cork
Format: 750ml
Date tasted: 21 September 2011
Tasting Note:
Deep impenetrable crimson – very deeply coloured. Bold, brash nose of tar and charcoal, quite medicinal. Dry, but sweeter in profile than the Bin 128 Shiraz. Rich and full bodied, warmish alcohol on the finish. Slightly reminiscent of a Ripasso Valpolicella!
Score: 15.5/20
From Penfolds, Bin 128 Shiraz, made entirely from Coonawarraa fruit, arguably lives in the shadow of Bin 389 and the Kalimna Bin 28 Barossa Shiraz. Yet, in better years, it can be a very good wine, capable of ageing for 15 or so years with grace. 1996 is indeed an excellent example, with notes of tar, menthol and blackberry. Although the primary fruit has receded, it is holding on very well.
1996 Hardy’s Tintara Shiraz was a monster when originally released; a deep crimson enormously intense wine that had clearly seen extended time in new oak barrels, a significant proportion of which must surely have been American. Time has seen some sense of elegance emerge, and the primary fruit has faded somewhat, though in truth, it hasn’t delivered enormous complexity and isn’t likely to. It’s a good rather than great wine for lovers of well made traditional Aussie powerhouse Shiraz.
1996 BIN 128 COONAWARRA SHIRAZProducer: Penfolds
Variety: Syrah/Shiraz
Vintage: 1996
Region: Coonawarra, South Australia
ABV: 13.5%
Price: N/a
Closure: Natural cork
Format: 750ml
Date tasted: 21 September 2011
Tasting Note:
Deep ruby fading gradually to the rim. Some evolution on the nose. Tar, menthol, blackberry and charcoal. Dry, full bodied, tannins are fully resolved, primary fruit has faded, tar. Moderate complexity. Decent length. Drinking well now and unlikely to improve further.
Score: 16/20
1996 TINTARA SHIRAZProducer: Hardy’s
Variety: Syrah/Shiraz
Vintage: 1996
Region: McLaren Vale, South Australia
ABV: 14.5%
Price: N/a
Closure: Natural cork
Format: 750ml
Date tasted: 21 September 2011
Tasting Note:
Deep impenetrable crimson – very deeply coloured. Bold, brash nose of tar and charcoal, quite medicinal. Dry, but sweeter in profile than the Bin 128 Shiraz. Rich and full bodied, warmish alcohol on the finish. Slightly reminiscent of a Ripasso Valpolicella!
Score: 15.5/20
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