Penfolds Bin 23 Pinot Noir 2020

Started life as a mostly Adelaide Hills pinot noir but these days Bin 23 is multi-regional – very Penfolds – with grapes sourced from Tasmania, Henty and the Adelaide Hills. The latter’s role has been no doubt downgraded due to the devastating bushfires of that summer.

There is good reason why pinot noir now ranks in the company’s annual collection release. It’s a smart, suave wine with super attractive cool climate credentials matched with some unaccustomed ripeness and alcohol levels (13.5%). The result is pure, delightful drinkability. Black cherry up front, pot pourri, musk mix with wild strawberry scents. It is of the outdoors and kitchen gardens. Runs smooth across the tongue, fleshy in texture and melded by spice, ripe sweet cherry fruits and pomegranate.

The overall impression is autumnal, of the earth, the leaves and the forest floor.

And very nice it is.