Penfolds Bin 28 is a renowned Australian shiraz that showcases the rich and robust flavors of warm climate regions. This wine has a long history, with its first vintage being made in 1959. It was originally named after the famous Barossa Valley Kalimna vineyard, which was acquired by Penfolds in 1945. The grapes for Bin 28 were initially sourced from this vineyard, giving the wine a unique character and sense of place.
As a sommelier and brewer, I have had the pleasure of experiencing and studying wines from various regions around the world. Australian shiraz, in particular, has always intrigued me with its bold and fruit-forward style. Penfolds Bin 28 is no exception to this, offering a generous and full-bodied expression of the shiraz grape.
The warm climate of Australia lends itself well to the production of ripe and richly flavored wines. The grapes used in Bin 28 are harvested at optimal ripeness, resulting in a wine that is packed with intense fruit flavors. Blackberry, plum, and dark cherry are often prominent, with hints of spice and pepper adding complexity to the wine.
One of the remarkable things about Penfolds Bin 28 is its ability to age gracefully. While it can be enjoyed in its youth, the wine has the potential to develop further complexity and depth with time in the bottle. The tannins soften and integrate, allowing the flavors to harmonize and evolve over the years. It is always fascinating to taste older vintages of Bin 28 and see how the wine has transformed with age.
I remember a particular occasion when I had the opportunity to taste a vertical of Penfolds Bin 28 spanning several decades. It was a truly enlightening experience to see how the wine evolved from vintage to vintage. The younger vintages were vibrant and exuberant, showcasing the youthful fruit flavors and lively acidity. As we moved to older vintages, the wine became more nuanced and complex, with secondary aromas and flavors of leather, tobacco, and earth emerging.
Penfolds Bin 28 is a wine that truly embodies the essence of Australian shiraz. It is a wine that is bold, ripe, and full of flavor, yet still maintains a sense of elegance and balance. Whether enjoyed on its own or paired with hearty dishes such as grilled meats or stews, Bin 28 is sure to impress with its depth and character.
Penfolds Bin 28 is a renowned Australian shiraz that showcases the ripe and robust flavors of warm climate regions. With a history dating back to 1959, this wine has become a benchmark for Australian shiraz. Its origins in the famous Barossa Valley Kalimna vineyard and its ability to age gracefully make it a wine worth exploring and savoring.