Penfold’s, Bin 28, Shiraz

Bin 28 offers a showcase of warm climate Australian Shiraz – ripe, robust, and generously flavoured. First made in 1959, Bin 28 was originally named after the famous Barossa Valley Kalimna vineyard from which the wine was originally sourced. Today, Bin 28 is a multi-region, multi-vineyard blend, with the Barossa Valley always well represented.

The 2022 vintage eloquently expresses Penfolds House Style, balancing fruit intensity with a structure poised for ageing. This makes it both an immediate pleasure and a candidate for cellaring, promising to evolve with complexity over time.

The aromatic spectrum presents an array of scents that point to varietal origin. The nose is distinguished by a subtle formic character, closely followed by savoury notes of blood pudding, aniseed/fennel and black liquorice. A hint of milk chocolate adds a soft, sweet touch to the predominantly dark fruit profile, where red, blue, and black fruits are all present. Ground cinnamon, toasted fennel seeds, clove, mace and sumac contribute to an overall impression of liveliness. The palate texture is suggestive of cocoa powder while being framed by just enough savoury oak to add structure without dominating. Leading with black fruit characters, it progresses with dark plum and hints of gamey richness (roasted venison). Baking spice notes and a delicate icing sugar dusting add nuance without tipping into overt sweetness. Lively acidity carries through from start to finish, perfectly accompanied by fine structural tannins that contribute to an enduring balance. Despite its depth and layers, it carries itself with typical Bin 28 ease; its complexity is apparent yet approachable.

96 Points – Andrew Caillard MW
95 Points – Ken Gargett
95 Points – Dave Brookes, Halliday Wine Companion
95 Points – Ray Jordan