"From McLaren Vale, Barossa Valley, Padthaway and Wrattonbully. Aged in seasoned American hogsheads with an emphasis of fruit rather than oak character. Lush, sumptuous dark berry and ripe plum flavours, with a suggestion of Christmas cake character and roast chestnut. Very approachable now"

You couldn’t taste a more classic Penfolds shiraz than this with all its rich, dark, ripe fruit inside a subtle wrap of American oak that adds familiar chocolate and spice notes to the palate. There’s cola too, then some crumbled earthiness, while fruit acidity remains lively and the textural tannin profile friendly and welcoming. Value is most attractive as well.

McLaren Vale, Barossa Valley, Padthaway, Wrattonbully fruit. Matured 12 months in seasoned American oak hogsheads. Classic Bin 28. Layers of black fruits, well supported by American oak and nuanced with a hint of smoked charcuterie. Fine-grained tannins support a finish of good length. A good Bin 28, to be sure, though it lacks the brightness, precision and refinement that has characterised the elevation of the labels that surround it in the Penfolds portfolio.
Tyson Stelzer