2015 Kalimna Bin 28

Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2015 Shiraz Kalimna Bin 28 has nose of crushed black currants and blueberries with subtle notes of licorice, tar, roses and tapenade. Medium to full-bodied, opulent and densely packed with black fruits and savory layers, it has a solid frame of rounded tannins and wonderful freshness, finishing long.

First made in 1959, Bin 28 is named after the famous Barossa Valley Kalimna Vineyard purchased by Penfolds in 1945 and from which the wine was originally sourced. Today, Bin 28 is a multi-region, multi-vineyard blend, with the Barossa Valley always well represented. Autumn and early winter rainfall were above the long-term average. Rain stopped abruptly in early August with only light showers observed throughout spring. Low top- soil moisture halted canopy growth early in the season giving vines an open canopy. Warm and dry conditions continued throughout the season which resulted in rapid grapevine growth and early flowering. February brought weekend heat spikes, pushing mean maximum temperatures well above the average resulting in early ripening and harvest. 100% Shiraz from McLaren Vale, Barossa Valley, Padthaway, Wrattonbully, Robe. TA 6.8 g/l, pH 3.61. 12 months in seasoned American oak hogsheads. Very supple mulberry fruit. Sweet leather with a richness on the end but just a little sudden on the end. There's a deliberate upgrading of Bin 28 over the years. Just a bit chunkier than 138 and 128. Just very slightly mean on the end. (JR)