Penfolds Bin 28 Shiraz

Penfolds Bin 28 Shiraz: A Celebration of Australian Warm Climate Viticulture

Discover the enduring appeal of Penfolds Bin 28 Shiraz, a benchmark for warm climate Australian Shiraz that consistently delivers a ripe, robust, and generously flavoured experience. This iconic wine, first crafted in 1959, stands as a testament to Penfolds' mastery of Shiraz, showcasing the richness and depth achievable from meticulously selected grapes.

Penfolds has been a cornerstone of Australian winemaking since its establishment in 1844 by Dr. Christopher and Mary Penfold. Their pioneering spirit and unwavering commitment to quality have seen the winery grow from humble beginnings to a globally recognised icon. The Penfolds philosophy centres on multi-regional and multi-vineyard blending, an approach that allows their winemakers to source the best possible fruit each vintage, ensuring the continuity of their esteemed 'House Style'. Bin 28, originally named after the famous Barossa Valley Kalimna vineyard purchased by Penfolds in 1945, initially sourced fruit exclusively from this site. Today, while the Barossa Valley remains a significant contributor, Bin 28 has evolved into a celebrated multi-region, multi-vineyard blend, consistently embodying the essence of Australian Shiraz.

Tasting Notes: A Deep Dive into Complexity and Character

The Penfolds Bin 28 Shiraz is a wine that engages the senses from the first pour to the lingering finish.

• Colour: It presents an impressive visual intensity, with a vibrant purple hue leading to a deep, almost black core, indicative of its concentration and varietal power.
• Nose: The aromatic spectrum is distinct and multifaceted, immediately pointing to its varietal origin. The nose is distinguished by an initial subtle formic character, which quickly gives way to more savoury notes of blood pudding. These are interwoven with pronounced elements of aniseed, fennel, and classic black liquorice. A delicate hint of milk chocolate emerges, adding a soft, sweet touch that beautifully counterpoints the predominantly dark fruit profile, where an appealing melange of red, blue, and black fruits can be discerned. Adding to its aromatic vivacity are layers of ground cinnamon, toasted fennel seeds, clove, mace, and a touch of sumac, all contributing to an overall impression of energy and complexity.
• Palate: Upon tasting, the palate texture is highly pleasing, suggestive of fine cocoa powder, framed by just enough savoury oak to impart structure and depth without dominating the fruit. The experience begins with a clear expression of black fruit characters, progressing smoothly into notes of dark plum. Hints of gamey richness, reminiscent of roasted venison, add a further layer of savoury interest. Subtle baking spice notes and a delicate dusting of icing sugar provide nuance and a sophisticated touch, carefully managed to avoid any overt sweetness. A lively acidity is a key feature, carrying through from the initial taste to the extended finish, perfectly accompanied by fine, structural tannins. These tannins contribute to an enduring balance and a pleasing mouthfeel. Despite its undeniable depth and multiple layers of flavour, the Bin 28 carries itself with a typical ease; its complexity is readily apparent yet remains approachable and immensely satisfying.

Serving Suggestions for Optimal Enjoyment

To fully appreciate the generous fruit and complex character of Penfolds Bin 28 Shiraz, serving it at a temperature between 16-18°C (60-64°F) is recommended. While enjoyable upon release, decanting for approximately 30 minutes to an hour before serving can be beneficial, allowing the wine to breathe and its aromatics to open more fully. Use generously sized glasses that allow for swirling and appreciation of the wine's engaging bouquet.

Detailed Food Matches: A Versatile Culinary Partner

The ripe fruit, savoury notes, and robust structure of Bin 28 make it an excellent companion for a wide array of dishes, particularly those with rich and hearty flavours.

• Barbecued Meats: A classic Australian pairing, this Shiraz excels alongside grilled steaks, gourmet sausages, lamb chops, or slow-cooked beef brisket. The smokiness from the barbecue harmonises beautifully with the wine's dark fruit and spice.
• Roast Dinners: A Sunday roast, whether it be beef with all the trimmings, roast leg of lamb with rosemary and garlic, or even a flavoursome roast pork with crackling, provides a superb match.
• Hearty Stews and Casseroles: Rich, slow-cooked dishes such as beef bourguignon, lamb tagine with apricots and spices, or a venison and mushroom stew will be elevated by the wine’s depth and complexity.
• Spiced and Peppery Dishes: The wine's inherent spice notes make it a good partner for dishes with a bit of a kick, such as peppercorn steak or mildly spiced curries (avoiding excessive heat that could overwhelm the wine).
• Mature Hard Cheeses: (See specific cheese pairing below).
• Gourmet Burgers: A high-quality beef burger, perhaps with blue cheese and caramelised onions, finds a worthy partner in Bin 28.

Cheese Pairing Recommendation:

For a complementary cheese pairing with Penfolds Bin 28 Shiraz, consider a well-aged, firm cheese. An English Mature Cheddar, particularly one with a crumbly texture and sharp, nutty notes, would be an excellent choice. The savoury depth and tangy character of a good farmhouse Cheddar will resonate with the wine’s dark fruit and spice, while the cheese's structure will stand up to the Shiraz's body, creating a balanced and satisfying combination.

Acclaimed by Critics:

The quality of Penfolds Bin 28 Shiraz is consistently recognised by leading wine authorities:

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

Penfolds Bin 28 Shiraz offers a compelling and accessible expression of Australian Shiraz, perfect for current enjoyment yet possessing the structure to develop further with careful cellaring. It is a wine that consistently delivers on its promise of generosity, flavour, and quality.