Penfolds Penfolds Bin 28 Shiraz 2020 750ml

Ripe and generous, but the aromatics take this to the next level, with notes of cardamom, paprika and dried rose petal, plus touches of candied violet and cocoa powder, to complement the core of fleshy blackberry, black cherry and cassis. The tannins are dense but velvety, and this finishes with warm chocolaty notes. Drink now through 2035. 9,287 cases imported. (MaryAnn Worobiec)

The Barossa has the ability to convey a sense of place, dirt and air in the glass. The trick is to not get in the way—a cooper does not terroir make. Despite not being the dominant region in this blend (for specificity: McLaren Vale, Barossa Valley, Padthaway and Clare Valley), the Barossa makes a potent contribution. Here, in the 2020 Bin 28 Kalimna Shiraz, the concentrated, dry and warm vintage is on show and provides a splay of earthy, dense fruit, stretched over a framework of savory tannin. Despite Penfolds's reputation for big tannins/big oak, the fruit here overpowers both and streams out over the long finish. The heart of Barossa is here. Very good. Will get better.

A homage to warmer-region, South Australian shiraz, this has a rich and smooth delivery of ripe blackberries and red-to-dark plums on the nose. The wine has taken its 12 months in American oak (16% new) well and truly in its stride. Plush and suave mouth-feel here, this is effortless and a style that sits right in the Penfolds sweet spot. A blend of McLaren Vale, Barossa Valley, Padthaway and Clare Valley. Drink or hold. Screw cap.

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.

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. 12,360 cases imported.

Opaque ruby. Oak-spiced cherry, blackberry and mocha aromas, along with coconut, licorice and cracked pepper accents. Deep and weighty on the palate, offering intense black and blue fruit, mocha and oak spice flavors that show an appealing sweetness but are slow to open. In a distinctly powerful style, delivering youthfully chewy tannins and a long, chewy finish that echoes the licorice and dark berry notes. (Josh Raynolds)

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. Drink or hold. Screw cap.

The 2021 Bin 28 Shiraz hails from five regions: McLaren Vale, Barossa Valley, Padthaway, Wrattonbully and Clare Valley. The wine matured for 12 months in American oak (7% new), and this really amplifies the sweet fruit characters in the mouth. It's already nicely integrated aromatically, despite being poured and opened in the same instance (i.e., no preparation prior to tasting), and is redolent with red and purple berry fruit. Spicy, full throttle and loads of tannin in the mouth. Nicely chewy. The first vintage of this wine was in 1959. 14.5% alcohol, sealed under screw cap.