Published by Jeremy.
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As lovers of all things Syrah, we have to admit that our access to good bottles from Australia often feels limited. So when we had a chance to pick up a bottle of Penfolds Bin 28 Shiraz, with grapes sourced from all over the country (with a Barossa Valley dominance), we had to give it a try.
A hot climate Shiraz with characteristic flavors of the region? We're in for that.
Penfolds Shiraz Showcases Australia's Style
This Australian Syrah was deep ruby in color with pronounced aromas of black cherry, blueberry, blackberry, cedar, clove, wet leaves, black pepper, violet, cassis, dried cranberry, and vanilla.
On the palate it was dry with medium acidity and flavor intensity, medium(+) chalky tannin and body, high alcohol, and a long finish. We had notes of black cherry, red cherry, dried cranberry, black raspberry, wet stone, cassis, clove, chocolate, cedar, leather, and vanilla.
This bottle was quite interesting because the intensity of the aromas was quite strong relative to the flavors, but the complexity of the palate was hard to beat- red fruit, dark fruit, barrel notes, and a bit of age despite being a fairly young wine. Be sure to decant this one for a little bit of time so it opens up. That said, we do have to admit we only really wish this one came with a bit higher acidity!
Shiraz Food Pairing – Koji Cured Steak
We paired this Australian Shiraz with a 50-hour koji-cured steak cooked in sous vide and seared. The fat in the steak helped offset the tannins and the rich, earthiness in the flavors allowed some of the refreshing fruit flavors to pop out more- red cherry, cranberry, raspberry, and even some cassis and smoke, too.
Steak and Shiraz? I have a hard time asking for anything more.
Score: 3.5 / 5
We'd buy a glass of this one and a bottle with the right pairing.
We really liked this Penfolds Shiraz, and have to admit it hit many of the notes that we loved for the grape. That said, we did find the acidity to be a bit lower than we prefer (roughly medium intensity) and we typically like our bottles to have a slightly stronger hit in this regard. That said, it is delicious and pairs quite well with meat, so we can be persuaded on more all the same.
Penfolds produces wine throughout Australia. Bin 28 is reflective of growing in the Barossa Valley and other regions. We purchased this bottle on Wine.com and enjoyed it in 2021.
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