Penfolds, Coonawarra (South Australia, Australia) Shiraz 2008

($23, FWE Imports):  Very different from a Barossa Shiraz, Penfolds’s Bin 128 Shiraz shows the importance of location within Australia, a country with scores of different climates.  Similar to their Barossa Shiraz, this one from Coonawarra comes exclusively from their grapes.  But because Coonawarra is cooler than Barossa, the Bin 128 shows the peppery, spicy side of Shiraz rather than the bigger plumier version associated with Barossa.  Its herbal, almost minty notes, and its freshness also reflect the cooler growing area.  It would be a great choice for lamb on the grill. 90 Michael Apstein Jul 19, 2011