Penfolds Bin 28 Shiraz 2023 (Cork)

Winery Background and History Penfolds is one of Australia’s most storied and prestigious wineries, established in 1844 by Dr. Christopher and Mary Penfold. Originally producing fortified wines as medicinal tonics, the winery evolved into a global icon under the leadership of visionary winemakers like Max Schubert. Bin 28, first released in 1959, is a milestone in the Penfolds collection. Historically, it was a single-vineyard wine from the Kalimna Vineyard in the Barossa Valley. Today, it stands as the quintessential expression of a warm-climate Australian Shiraz, showcasing Penfolds’ mastery of multi-regional blending while maintaining a profile of richness, depth, and structural reliability that has spanned over six decades.

Producer and Wine Maker The winemaking is led by Peter Gago, Penfolds’ fourth Chief Winemaker and a globally respected figure in the wine industry. Gago is known for his commitment to the "Penfolds House Style," which emphasizes multi-regional blending to ensure consistency and quality across vintages. Under his direction, the winemaking team meticulously selects fruit from diverse South Australian vineyards to construct a wine that is greater than the sum of its parts. The 2020 vintage of Bin 28 continues this tradition, utilizing precise fermentation techniques and disciplined oak maturation to create a wine that balances power with contemporary elegance.

Vineyards and Micro Climate The 2020 Bin 28 is a multi-regional blend, primarily sourcing fruit from the Barossa Valley, McLaren Vale, and Padthaway. The 2020 growing season in South Australia was characterized by a dry winter and a warm spring, leading to lower yields but highly concentrated fruit. McLaren Vale provided plushness and dark fruit intensity, while the Barossa Valley contributed structural power and spice. The Mediterranean climate across these regions—marked by warm days and cooling evening breezes—allowed the Shiraz grapes to reach full phenolic ripeness while retaining the natural acidity required to balance the wine's characteristic richness and high alcohol.

Vinification & Aging Methods The fruit was harvested at optimal maturity and fermented in traditional stainless steel open-top fermenters. To achieve the signature Penfolds depth, the wine underwent maturation for 12 months in seasoned American oak hogsheads. Unlike the higher "Bin" numbers that often see significant new oak, Bin 28 utilizes seasoned oak to ensure the primary fruit characters remain the focal point while adding subtle spice and structural integration. This maturation process allows the tannins to soften and the complex flavors to harmonize. The wine was then meticulously blended to meet the specific "Bin 28" profile before being stabilized and bottled.

Tasting notes The wine presents a deep, dense core of plum red. The nose is classically Penfolds, offering an aromatic array of black cherry, crème de cacao, and roasted meats, layered with hints of savory black olive and soy. On the palate, it is full-bodied and robust, delivering a concentrated core of dark fruits, including mulberry and blackberry. The tannins are firm yet fine-grained, providing a sturdy framework that supports the wine's density. Nuances of sweet tobacco and baking spices emerge toward the finish, which is long, savory, and remarkably balanced, showcasing the plush fruit-weight typical of a warm-climate South Australian Shiraz.

Food & Wine Pairing This robust Shiraz is an ideal match for rich, savory meat dishes. It pairs exceptionally well with a grilled porterhouse steak with a peppercorn crust, slow-roasted beef cheeks, or a classic lamb tagine with dried apricots and spices. The wine’s savory undertones also complement game meats like venison or wild boar. For a vegetarian pairing, consider a hearty mushroom ragu or a lentil moussaka. The firm tannin structure and dark fruit profile allow it to stand up to strong, aged cheeses such as a mature English cheddar or a dry, salty Pecorino.

Service Methods and Temperatures To allow the complex aromatics and concentrated fruit layers to unfold, the wine should be served at a room temperature of 16°C to 18°C. Serving it too warm can cause the alcohol to appear prominent, while serving it too cold may mute the aromatic complexity. Decanting for at least one hour is highly recommended to soften the tannins and enhance the wine's plush mouthfeel. A large-bowled Shiraz or Bordeaux glass is the best choice to concentrate the bouquet of dark fruits and savory spice toward the nose.

Storage and Aging Potential Bin 28 is renowned for its remarkable longevity and ability to evolve gracefully in the cellar. While the 2020 vintage is approachable now with decanting, it will continue to develop and improve over the next 15 to 20 years. For optimal aging, the wine should be stored in a cool, dark place with a consistent temperature of around 14°C. Over time, the primary dark fruit notes will transition into complex tertiary characters of leather, forest floor, and dried herbs, with the tannins becoming increasingly silky and integrated.

Grape Varietals & percentage used 100% Shiraz

ABV (Alcohol by Volume) 14.5%

Scores 93 James Suckling 92 Wine Advocate 91 Wine Spectator