The Lindeman’s Bin 80 Cabernet Merlot 2013 is 58% Cabernet Sauvignon and 42% Merlot sourced from multiple vineyards in Southeastern Australia. Southeastern Australia is a huge area encompassing 3 Australian States that have diverse climates and growing conditions, it is the equivalent to seeing California on the label of an American wine, and not Sonoma or Paso Robles. Lindeman’s was founded in 1843 and is Australia’s oldest continually operated winery. They are now owned by Treasury Wine Estates who also own Penfolds, Beringer, Chateau St. Jean and Wolf Blass, among many others. The Bin 80 Cab-Merlot was aged in French and American oak barrels, which is a nice bonus considering that this wine sells for well under $10. Even though this Red saw some oak aging, it is a “drink it now” wine, it is at its best now and cellaring will not improve it. The alcohol content is 13.5%.
The color is a crimson red with an almost clear halo. The nose is dark ripe plum, a little chocolate brownie, strawberry and spice. This is a fresh tasting, fruit forward blend featuring rich dark berries and firm tannins. It starts with blackberry, plum, strawberry and licorice. The mid-palate shows a little oak spice and a nice pull from the tannins. The acidity is subdued, pair this with burgers and pizza. The finish is full and surprisingly lengthy.
The Lindeman’s Bin 80 Cabernet Merlot 2013 is a solid little unassuming Bordeaux Blend. This is a wine that sells for around $8 and can be found on sale for around $5 and it over delivers. I am a big fan of Australian Merlot and never really like Australian Cabernet Sauvignon, so I was not expecting much from this sub ten buck Red. But Bin 80 shows an abundance of ripe, fresh fruit, wrapped around a decent amount of structure and that equals a wine that is tasty and fun to drink, while not talking down to you. Now, don’t get me wrong, this is not the greatest Red blend in the world, but it is a wine that makes you happy because you got more than you paid for.
