Penfolds Bin 28

A warm-hearted Shiraz if ever there was one, generous yes, but it’s a well-controlled generosity. Deep purple hues. Blackstrap liquorice, deep black fruits, anise, woody spices light up the bouquet. Almost slinky on the tongue, sinuous and close fitting, it moves well aided by time in American hogsheads (just 15% new) providing some spark and overall spiciness and pastry notes to a palate that celebrates ripe Shiraz. Laid out on long, soft, ripe tannins, it finishes much the way it started with a flourish of choc-liquorice and black fruit intensity.

Deep ruby colour, deep core, subtle ochre rim. Delicate Amarena cherry, blueberry confit, some nougat, sweet woody savouriness, some liquorice underneath. Powerful, red berry texture, vivid wood nuances, integrated acidity, mineral finish, salty aftertaste, a spicy companion at the table.