Penfolds Bin 2 Shiraz Mataro 2018; A Steady Hand in a Loud Region
A heritage label from one of Australia’s most recognisable names, Penfolds Bin 2 combines Shiraz’s plush weight with Mataro’s savoury backbone. It’s a style the brand has been refining since the 1960s—never the headline act, but always part of the supporting cast. The 2018 release feels mature, spice-driven, and unbothered by modern flash. This is not a wine looking for praise—it just shows up, quietly ready.
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Vintage: |
2018 |
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Region: |
South Australia |
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Varietal: |
Shiraz Mataro |
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ABV: |
14.5% |
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RRP: |
$45 AUD |
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Format: |
750mL |
Appearance
Poured into the glass, Bin 2 reveals a deep crimson-ruby body with a soft garnet fade at the rim—a hint of age showing through. Legs are long and medium-paced, suggesting moderate alcohol and a well-built structure. Visually, it’s composed, elegant, and quietly serious.
Aroma / Nose
The nose leans into spice and savoury character—white pepper, clove, and a gentle earthy funk lead the way. Fruit sits quietly behind: raspberry, sour cherry, maybe a touch of plum, but never showy. There’s no vanilla gloss, no sweet lift. Just balance, and a sense of grounded maturity.
Palate / Taste
The first sip delivers acidity, spice, and restraint. It’s not lush—it’s architectural. Oak and sour plum unfold in the mid-palate, while tannins grip firmly along the gums, never quite letting go.
Alcohol hits early, but softens with each mouthful. A faint, curious stone fruit note appears on the exhale—more texture than flavour, like dried apricot skin or peach pit. It’s a wine that builds tension rather than indulgence.
Finish
The finish is long and structurally driven. Spice and tannin take the lead. Fruit fades quickly, but the wine doesn’t let go—it lingers as a dry presence, not a flavour echo. It doesn’t evolve much in the glass. It just holds steady. And in its own way, that’s impressive.
Food Pairing
Cheddar: mellowed the acidity and softened the sharper lines
Red Leicester: coaxed a subtle sweetness from the mid-palate
Prosciutto and ham: brought back the spice and helped the oak stand taller
Apricot and almond cheese: heightened acidity and structure—more assertive than harmonious
Olives: had little effect—no transformation, just a steady presence
Best with slow-cooked meats, strong cheeses, or earthy winter dishes. This wine doesn’t melt into a meal—it holds its own.
ATC Verdict: Is It Worth the Splurge?
Penfolds Bin 2 Shiraz Mataro 2018 is grippy, composed, and quietly commanding. It’s not built to flatter, and it’s certainly not built to trend. But there’s strength in that. For those who respect wines with edge, structure, and backbone, Bin 2 delivers exactly what it should: quiet confidence.
It’s not the kind of wine that creates a moment.
But it’s the kind that earns your respect over time.
Structured, spice-driven, and serious. A steady-hand red for strong meals and stronger moods.
Editor’s Note
This review reflects our personal tasting experience with the Penfolds Bin 2 Shiraz Mataro 2018, purchased independently and tasted at home across multiple sittings. No sponsorship, gifting, or promotional material influenced this article. As always, All That Is Cool focuses on what we actually tasted, how it behaved with food—and whether it felt worth the splurge.
–Adrian – Editor at All That Is Cool
Please drink responsibly.
All alcohol reviews on All That Is Cool are intended for audiences aged 18+. We support mindful, moderate consumption and only feature bottles we’ve personally tasted and evaluated.
