The Auswine Forum

Hi all.

I have managed to get 3 bottles each of Penfolds Bin 90A and Bin 920 through auction and a retailer. The levels look pretty good with all well into the neck. I am advised that they have all be cellared properly.

I am planning on having one of the 90A's for our anniversary (maybe) in September but would appreciate some advice on the optimal cellaring period if maintained in professional storage (Kennards wine storage). When would be the best time to drink these wines (apart from now and the next special occasion)?

Regards,

Allan

I have never had the 920 but have had the 90A twice in the last 2 years. The 90A will not hit its peak drinking window for at least the next 5 years. AT LEAST!!!

The 920 is apparently a bit earlier drinking, maybe starting now, but have a search on this forum as there has been a fair bit of comment about these wines... I think.

Adair

For my palate (Adair, like most impatient Gen Xers who likes 'em young, has yet to taste the glories of mature wine at their peak in complexity, balance and glory ):

920 - 5 years (2010)
90A - 8-10 years - 2015

Both marvellous now, but after 2010 both will be astounding.

Baby Chickpea wrote:For my palate (Adair, like most impatient Gen Xers who likes 'em young, has yet to taste the glories of mature wine at their peak in complexity, balance and glory ):

920 - 5 years (2010)
90A - 8-10 years - 2015

Both marvellous now, but after 2010 both will be astounding.

Oh you old man Danny!

Believe it or not, I agree with you here, which is what I meant by AT LEAST. I reckon the middle of the 90A's peak drinking window will be around 2025. I have 2 bottles of Bin 90A left and I will bre drinking one of these in the 2020s.

Now, I am not too sure about our agreement with aged red Burgundy.

Adair

...or aged champers Adair!

Old or young Burgundy, who really cares...its all over priced and over-rated.

I tasted these both prior to release and a couple of times since....at other people's expense.

They are both classics but the bin 920 is less aggressive and more approachable.

Do NOT touch the bin 920 for another 5 years at least and then it should start to blossom over the next three or so and improve marginally/hold for another decade tereafter!

THe bin 90A is complete vinfanticide and at least a further 5 years behind the 920 in development towards peak drinking window: do not touch for at least another decade!! Then expect blossoming over next 5+? years and holding for another decade (or 2!!).

Remember this is from someone who is happy to still see some primary fruit on the wine as opposed to necrophilia.....if you have had the pleasure of drinking a bin 60A (or even a bin 7) you will understand why it would be a mistake to drink it much too early....assuming decent cellaring etc

Seen Adair & Danny's posts now and I still think that they are looking at drinking the wines a bit young: my preference for both wines would be between 2020 and 2030 (tending toward the latter end for bin 90A but likely to open first of bin 90As about 2020...)

fred

Until I taste the 2004 successor, these are the true successors to the 1962 bin 60A - stunning wines which take on layers of complexity with time. At 15 years of age they are still in primary fruit stage - and have enormous improvement and maturity to come. Resist temptation as you may well be slightly disappointed at this stage of their lives if you open the wines....

What will you do if the prices follow in the steps of 60a meaning the one bottle can get you 10-20 Super premium $100+ bottles?

Anonymous wrote:What will you do if the prices follow in the steps of 60a meaning the one bottle can get you 10-20 Super premium $100+ bottles?

Same as I would do if I had a bottle of the 60A... drink the thing with a few others who love wine as much as me.

Adair

Will never be worth that much

Fred,

Agree with your thoughts on the 90A, but not as confident the 920 will be as long-lived, having just consumed one in April. I would probably put it nearer to Danny's window.

Cheers


Mike

Thanks for the posts all. I have some Grant Burge Meshach which I can set aside for September so I'll hold off drinking any of the 90A and 920 for a decade or so. I hope I last as well as the wines will over these time frames!

Regards,

Allan

Allan,

We had first of 3 90A a few years ago. Whilst still a pup it was truely awsome and a real life experience. Decanted and left to breath for 4 hours helped. The other 2 are stashed away from temptation. Why wait 15 years when it can be drunk 3 times over an extended period? Also if you determine now that 2 more is not enough you can buy more now before it disappears.

Like all great wines there is a finite amount produced.

More temptation Bigkid!!

Chuck

How does it compare to Block 42 Kalimna 1996?

Guest,

Have a look at this post for comments by bacchaebabe and Fred:

http://www.auswine.com.au/forum/viewtopic.php?t=2980&highlight=

Allan