2022 Penfolds, Bin 28, Shiraz, Australia

Softer than its Coonawarra cousin Bin 128 Shiraz), this multi-region amalgam presents a chocolatey edge to the dark plum flavours of well-rounded Shiraz, but it still has great drive, taking the fruit on a leisurely journey through a lengthy mid-palate that never stretches too wide. This wine has replaced the popular Kalimna Shiraz in the Penfolds line-up, renamed due to the broad sourcing of Shiraz grapes from four regions across South Australia, but it represents the same type of red-fruited generosity and warm embrace as its predecessor.

Drink 2024 - 2045

It has 14.5% alcohol, a pH of 3.68 and 6.6 grams per litre of total acidity.

The 2022 Bin 28 Shiraz differs from the 128 because the latter is sourced solely from Coonawarra and matured in French oak. Here, the Bin 28 comes from McLaren Vale, Barossa Valley, Padthaway and Wrattonbully and matured in American oak. I find this wine to be concentrated and fierce, with plentiful tannins that are a little rugged. They frame the succulent, ripe, juicy fruit and present the wine as a complete package. This is a huge wine, and fans of the style will be thrilled this season because it has a lot of everything: beautiful fruit, abundant tannin, obvious oak, and enduring length.

Drink 2024 - 2042

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The aromas of crushed stones and blackberries are impressive. Dark fruit and dusty tannins are spread out on the medium-bodied palate. It delivers plenty of pretty fruit that goes long and focused.

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First made in 1959, Bin 28 was originally named after the famous Barossa Valley Kalimna vineyard purchased by Penfolds in 1945, 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 is 55% McLaren Vale, 25% Barossa Valley, 6% Padthaway, 5% Wrattonbully, and 9% other regions. The notes say, tellingly, ‘In McLaren Vale, the mercury scarcely rose above 35 °C – merely three occurrences throughout the season, a stark contrast to the prior vintage. These temperate conditions allowed for an unhurried harvest ...’. 12 months in American oak hogsheads 10% new).

Dark purple. High-toned and rich. Well melded. Gorgeous already. It's richer than the Bin 128, but very pleasing. Holds its alcohol well. There’s a little bit of tannin at the end, still.

Drink 2025 - 2040