2022 Penfolds Bin 28 Kalimna Shiraz, South Australia (750ml)

WINEMAKER'S NOTES:

Purple with a black core. 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 savory notes of blood pudding, aniseed/fennel and black licorice. 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 savory 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.

TASTING NOTES: 

Offers an impressive mix of fruit flavors and oak influences, finding an expressive balance between framboise, cherry and pomegranate flavors that are ripe, fleshy and fresh. On the oak side, smooth vanilla, almond nougat and milk chocolate notes are showy, along with grace notes of cedar, Saigon cinnamon and clove. Drink now through 2033.

- Wine Spectator, 93 pts. 

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.

- James Suckling, 93 pts. 

Fans of classically broad shouldered and flavorsome vintages of Shiraz Bin 28 will be very happy with the 2022. It is bold yet balanced, rich and ripe but also with a strong heart and cellaring potential. It radiates with blackberry, cherry compote, and new leather aromas with faint spicy tones. The structure shows its class, particularly with the tannin ripeness and weight which holds the wine's shape through to a lengthy finish. Enjoyable now, but will be impressive after a decade in the cellar.

- Vinous, 93 pts. 

The 2022 Bin 28 Shiraz differs from the 128 in that 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 is a lot of everything: beautiful fruit, abundant tannin, obvious oak and enduring length. It has 14.5% alcohol, a pH of 3.68 and 6.6 grams per liter of total acidity.

- Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, 92 pts.