Viniou Reviews
The Penfolds Bin 28 Shiraz 2021 is a fine example of South Australian winemaking, crafted from 100% Shiraz grapes. This vintage highlights the depth and vibrancy typical of the Bin 28 style, known for its approachability in youth as well as its capacity to age beautifully. Sourced from select vineyards across South Australia, the wine benefits from a blend of fruit hailing from diverse microclimates and terroirs, each contributing complexity and structure. Following fermentation, the wine is matured predominantly in seasoned American oak hogsheads, which imparts subtle vanilla and spice notes while allowing the fruit to remain front and centre.
South Australia is renowned for its varied viticultural regions, benefiting from a Mediterranean climate with warm, dry summers and cool, wet winters. This weather pattern, coupled with ancient, nutrient-poor soils, encourages vines to work hard, yielding grapes of great intensity and concentrated flavour. Although this particular Bin 28 vintage does not specify a sub-region, it draws from regions such as Barossa Valley and McLaren Vale, both steeped in winemaking history and celebrated for producing rich, full-bodied Shiraz wines. The tradition of Penfolds, one of Australia’s most storied estates since its founding in 1844, further ensures a consistently high standard.
The generous, fruit-driven profile of Bin 28—laden with ripe blackberry, plum, liquorice, and spice—lends itself naturally to robust, flavourful dishes. Classic pairings include slow-roasted lamb shoulder, grilled ribeye, or braised beef cheeks. For a regional touch, try it alongside an Australian peppered kangaroo fillet or a hearty mushroom risotto. The wine’s structure and touch of oak also make it a fine companion for mature Cheddar or smoky Gouda cheeses.
For optimum enjoyment, serve this Shiraz at a temperature of 16-18°C. Decanting for an hour prior to tasting will help to open up the wine, allowing its aromatic complexity and silky tannins to emerge fully. This approach will reward both the patient collector and those keen to enjoy a superb Shiraz today.
