G'day Friends!
As you know, each year Wine Spectator Magazine editors review more than 17,000 wines from around the world through blind tastings. Out of those 17,000+ wines, they have the difficult task of selecting less than 1% of them to make their annual Top 100 list. They choose the wines based on four criteria: quality, value, availability, and an "excitement" x-factor.
Today's deal, the 2018 Penfolds "Bin 28" Kalimna Shiraz, was very deservedly ranked #41 for their Top 100 of 2020. Take one sip, and you'll definitely see why... this is NOT a "simple fruity Shiraz" at all... even though we've priced it like one.
Yes, it's definitely a delicious red that oozes sumptuous layers of ripe fruit, but it's also well-structured to effortlessly evolve past this decade and beyond. My favorite qualities are the beautiful sweet cigar and tobacco notes, as well as its refreshing mouthwatering acidity bringing vibrant energy to palate.
Penfolds is not just the pinnacle of Australian wine only. Their cult wine "Grange" is always sought after as one of the greatest wines in the world, having been #1 in WS Top 100 and routinely scoring 100 points.
Founded by a young English doctor in 1844, Penfolds has indisputably led the development of Australian fine wine in the modern era. The introduction of Penfolds Grange in 1951 forever changed the landscape of Australian fine wine. Since then, a series of standout wines, both white and red, have been released under the Penfolds masthead. Under the direction of master winemaker, Peter Gago, Penfolds is now found in every major wine market in the world. Extraordinary wines such as Block 42 and Bin 60A have also been released during his tenure. Penfolds wines are now widely celebrated for their diversity and quality across many price-points. The strength of Penfolds is that the wine comes first. Penfolds' range of table wines is utterly Australian, evoking a generosity of spirit and the beauty of the Australian landscape.
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. Here's what Peter Gago, Penfolds Chief Winemaker, had to say about this vintage:
“True to form. And what form! This style of shiraz, aka Bin 28, has gobbled up all that a terrific harvest like 2018 has generously thrown its way!”
This is a true case-worthy find for drinking now, aging, gifting and more. Too bad we're down to 80 bottles.
Cheers!
—James Tran
