Tasting Notes For Penfolds Bin 28 Kalimna Shiraz 2018
Crimson red, a shimmer of garnet on rim. Exuberant aromatics. At first, back to school – memories of black jelly beans, then a gentle spectral gradation to red liquorice and redcurrants. Adhering to this color theme, goji berry, wild raspberry and a red-fruited chutney. A transient suggestion of sandalwood spices? Maybe. Well-balanced. Whirling black fruits and an oscillating shiraz disposition – Bin 28 by any other name, personality intact. Flavors akin to a consommé of dried porcini mushrooms; structurally embedded with grainy/sandy tannins. Additionally, tobacco, tobasco and tamarind noted ... okay to mention taut, tenacious?! Exits with an almost negroni / Cynar bittersweet clean finish.
Critic Ratings
Wine Spectator Review - Issue Nov 30, 2020 - Rated 93:
Shows terrific concentration, with dense and chewy tannins providing an appealing backdrop to the blueberry, dried cherry, date and candied ginger flavors. Tobacco, tomato leaf and espresso notes linger on the finish. Drink now through 2030. 9,560 cases imported. — MW
Robert Parker Wine Advocate Review - Issue 22nd Jul 2020 - Rated 93:
While named for a Barossa vineyard/locale, the 2018 Bin 28 Kalimna Shiraz, like other recent vintages, is blended from various South Australian GIs. With its rich, dark-berried fruit accented with vanilla, it does a more-than-credible job re-creating that northern Barossan idiom. It's full-bodied, concentrated and plush without going over the top, finishing long and velvety. While it may not have single-vineyard snob appeal, it's a delicious wine for drinking over the next decade and a relative value. - Joe Czerwinski
James Suckling Review - Published July 22, 2020 - Rated 94:
A strong vintage for warmer-climate shiraz and this wine is certainly reaping the benefits. The nose has such eclectic fruit aromas that run a full spectrum, from the lighter spiced red-fruit aromas to red plums, through blue fruit to darker blackberries and plums. The palate has impressively layered flavors that run the same broad spectrum as seen on the nose and the tannins are so well groomed and run very, very long. Holds fruit flavor deep. Will age very well for 15-plus years. Drink or hold. Screw cap.
