Wine: Out of the bin

It's March, which means Penfolds' Bin selection is now available. Photo / Supplied

For lovers of fine wine, March 1 is coming to mean only one thing every year: the annual release of Penfolds highly sought after Bin selection.

The Bin range was born back in the 1950s and 60s when Penfolds' winemaker Max Schubert was experimenting wildly with new varieties and blends, wanting to create a "dynasty" of wines whose relationship to each other would be apparent to the drinker.

The names and numbers generally refer to the "bins" or tunnels within the winery in which the wine is left to mature before bottling. It started merely as a way for winemakers to identify wines, but has grown into a unique naming ritual that now also helps wine drinkers remember their favourites.

This year's releases available now include:

* 2010 Penfolds Bin 23 Adelaide Hills Pinot Noir, $39.99: in just its second vintage this is a dark, berry flavoured pinot.

* 2009 Penfolds Bin 138 Barossa Valley Grenache Shiraz Mourvedre, $32.99: smooth and medium-bodied with hints of cola and beetroot paste.

* 2009 Penfolds Bin 128 Coonawarra Shiraz, $32.99: A crimson red, fruity shiraz with rhubarb aromas and raspberry flavours rounded out with a hint of oak.

* 2008 Penfolds Kalimna Bin 28 Shiraz, $32.99: Full-bodied, and satisfying. Dark colour and dense texture on the palate. A classic, excellent shiraz, that's only going to get better with a few years in the cellar.

* 2008 Penfolds Bin 407 Cabernet Sauvignon, $49.99: Almost purple in colour with aromas of blackcurrant and olive and a good finish.

* 2008 Penfolds Bin 150 Marananga Barossa Valley Shiraz, $49.99: Almost the colour of soy and with hints of it in the aroma, along with a hint of what can best be described as "pan scrapings". A smooth, almost slinky finish with roast coffee bean flavours and fine tannins. Very drinkable.

* 2008 Penfolds Bin 389 Cabernet Shiraz: $49.99: Traditionally it's the star performer of the Bin release often referred to as "Baby Grange", which makes it phenomenal value for money. This is all dark chocolate and blackcurrant with a hint of liquorice.

Available from fine wine retailers. penfolds.com.au