Penfolds Bin 2 Shiraz Mourvedre

Penfolds Bin 2 Shiraz Mourvèdre is a Rhône-inspired South Australian red wine blending 89% Shiraz and 11% Mourvèdre at 14.5% ABV in a 750ml bottle. First released in 1960, Bin 2 remains one of the more uncommon Shiraz-Mataro (Mourvèdre) blends in Australian table wine, scoring 90 points from Tastingbook and 89 points from Huon Hooke at The Real Review.

Quick Facts: ABV: 14.5%  |  Origin: Barossa Valley, McLaren Vale & Padthaway, South Australia  |  Shiraz-Mourvèdre Blend  |  Producer: Penfolds

Production & Heritage

Penfolds was founded in 1844 by Dr. Christopher Rawson Penfold at Magill Estate in South Australia and has since become one of the most recognized wine producers in the world. Bin 2 draws fruit from three distinct South Australian regions — Barossa Valley, McLaren Vale, and Padthaway — and matures for 10 months in seasoned French and American oak. Originally labeled as an 'Australian Burgundy' despite its Rhône-variety composition, Bin 2 was temporarily discontinued in Australia during the 1970s before being revived, preserving a blending tradition that stretches back over six decades.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: The nose opens with deeply ripe dark fruits — blackberry and blueberry — followed by dark chocolate, tar, and mellow baking spice. Plummy sweetness and plum-pit aromatics add intensity and brightness beneath the primary fruit.

Taste: On entry, bright raspberry and redcurrant flavors give way to a richer mid-palate of crushed blueberry, black currant, and concentrated savory-meaty character. The wine builds toward brooding dark blue fruit, mocha, and licorice, supported by fine, silky tannins and noticeable mineral depth.

Finish: The finish is long and classic, carrying vanilla, licorice, and lingering chocolate. Tannins remain fine-grained and polished, providing structure without harshness as the savory undertone slowly fades.

How to Drink Bin 2

Bin 2 drinks well at cellar temperature (16–18°C) with 20 to 30 minutes of breathing time in the glass. Its medium-to-full body and balanced tannins also make it versatile in wine-based mixed drinks. A Kalimotxo benefits from Bin 2's dark fruit concentration, which holds up against cola's sweetness. A classic Sangria gains depth from the chocolate and spice notes without losing the fresh berry core. A simple Red Wine Spritzer with sparkling water and a citrus twist highlights the wine's bright redcurrant and raspberry aromatics.

Best For

• Weeknight dinners with grilled red meats or slow-cooked stews
• Introducing someone to premium Australian Rhône-style blends
• Building a Penfolds Bin collection from entry-level through to flagship
• Gifting a wine enthusiast who appreciates South Australian reds

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Bin 2 taste like? Bin 2 delivers bright raspberry and blueberry fruit layered with dark chocolate, mocha, licorice, and savory meaty character, all carried by fine silky tannins and a long finish.

How does Bin 2 compare to Penfolds Bin 138 Grenache Shiraz Mataro? Bin 138 is Penfolds' homage to the Southern Rhône using a Grenache-led three-variety blend from Barossa Valley, resulting in a lighter, more perfumed wine. Bin 2 leads with Shiraz and includes only Mourvèdre, producing a darker, more tannic, and more concentrated profile.

Is Bin 2 good for everyday drinking? Yes — its approachable tannins, generous fruit, and moderate oak influence make it easy drinking while still carrying enough depth and structure to reward careful attention.

Where is Bin 2 made? Bin 2 is produced by Penfolds in South Australia, drawing fruit from the Barossa Valley, McLaren Vale, and Padthaway regions and aging the wine in seasoned French and American oak at Penfolds' winemaking facilities.

What foods pair well with Bin 2? Grilled lamb chops match the wine's savory and spice notes. Slow-braised beef cheeks complement the chocolate and licorice depth. Aged cheddar echoes the tannic structure. Mushroom risotto highlights the earthy, meaty undertones. Barbecued pork ribs with a smoky glaze work well alongside the dark berry fruit.

What sizes does Bin 2 come in? Penfolds Bin 2 Shiraz Mourvèdre is widely available in the standard 750ml bottle format.

Is Bin 2 worth the price? Bin 2 positions as an accessible entry point into the Penfolds Bin range, delivering multi-region South Australian fruit and seasoned oak maturation at a price that competes strongly within the mid-range Australian red wine category.

Why Bin 2?

Bin 2's distinction lies in its longevity as a label — few Australian producers have maintained a Shiraz-Mourvèdre blend continuously since 1960, and the combination itself remains uncommon in the country's table wine landscape. The multi-region sourcing from Barossa Valley, McLaren Vale, and Padthaway gives the winemaking team flexibility to balance richness, freshness, and savory complexity in each vintage. Scoring 90 points from Tastingbook and 89 from Huon Hooke, the wine consistently demonstrates the quality floor that the Penfolds Bin tier is known for. For drinkers looking to explore Rhône-variety blending through an Australian lens without committing to the higher Bin tiers, Bin 2 remains the logical starting point.