Penfolds Bin 28 Kalimna Shiraz 2023 is a classic warm-climate Australian Shiraz, combining generous dark and blue fruit with baking spices, savoury complexity and finely structured tannins. First made in 1959, Bin 28 was originally sourced exclusively from the famous Kalimna Vineyard in the Barossa Valley; today it is a multi-region South Australian blend, with Barossa Valley fruit remaining central to the style. The 2023 vintage delivers excellent concentration and structure while retaining the approachable character that has made Bin 28 a Penfolds favourite.

Decanter | D 94
Published: Jun 24, 2025
Drink: 2025-2043

Penfolds’ first Bin wine, from 1959, this used to be named for the Kalimna Vineyard from which it was solely sourced. Now it is a multi-region blend, always dominated by Barossa Valley fruit – this year 42%, along with Padthaway (31%) and McLaren Vale (27%) – to showcase ripe, powerful warm-climate South Australian Shiraz. Always matured for 12 months in American oak hogsheads, there’s more new wood this year (15%), but it wears it beautifully, and that firm tannic backbone promises to carry this already approachable wine through the next two decades. Mulberry pie aromas – inviting with lots of vanilla and sweet baking spices – joined by savoury olive brine, tarmac and liquorice. The fresh but concentrated palate has more of the same, along with dark chocolate-coated cherries. Really impressive already, with more to come; the star buy from this year’s collection.

James Suckling | JS 93
Published: Jul 16, 2025

This is an Australian classic that has been made every year since 1959. Aromas of blackberries, dark chocolate, crushed blueberries and dried herbs. The palate is full-bodied with firmly framed tannins, bright acidity and a savory and dark-fruited finish. Drink or hold.

Jancis Robinson | JR 17
Published: Jul 15, 2025

Full bottle 1,420 g. ‘First made in 1959, Bin 28 was originally named after the famous Barossa Valley Kalimna vineyard from which the wine was originally sourced.’ These days, it’s a blend. 42% Barossa Valley, 31% Padthaway, 27% McLaren Vale. 2023 ‘was a year of overcoming climatic challenges’. Matured for 12 months in American oak hogsheads (15% new although originally not meant to be). TA 6.5 g/l, pH 3.64. Penfolds claim this not-expensive wine will last until 2043!
Deep blackish crimson. Warm, ripe, medicinal, pure-Penfolds nose. Heady and back to what Penfolds do best. Home ground! Hint of camphor and lots of sweetness. Round, pleasing, resolved and approachable. Salty, fresh finish after a smooth palate entry. GV Jancis Robinson

Vivino | Vivino 4.1

The nose is complex and beguiling, with notes of demi-glace and roasting pan juices, beneath scents of pipe tobacco, vanilla and pencil shavings oak - much more than just a simple varietal offering. The palate is full-bodied, refined and taut showing dark, black conserve fruit flavours.Liqueur chocolate and spice flavours are impregnated by overt, chewy and ripe tannins.

Penfolds.com

Bin 28 offers a showcase of warm climate Australian Shiraz – ripe, robust and generously flavoured. First made in 1959, Bin 28 was originally 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.

TASTING NOTE

Color: Purple with a black core.

Nose: The aromatic spectrum presents an array of scents that point to varietal origin. The nose is distinguished by a subtle formic character, closely followed by savoury notes of blood pudding, aniseed/fennel and black liquorice. A hint of milk chocolate adds a soft, sweet touch to the predominantly dark fruit profile, where red, blue, and black fruits are all present. Ground cinnamon, toasted fennel seeds, clove, mace and sumac contribute to an overall impression of liveliness.

Palate: The palate texture is suggestive of cocoa powder while being framed by just enough savoury oak to add structure without dominating. Leading with black fruit characters, it progresses with dark plum and hints of gamey richness (roasted venison). Baking spice notes and a delicate icing sugar dusting add nuance without tipping into overt sweetness. Lively acidity carries through from start to finish, perfectly accompanied by fine structural tannins that contribute to an enduring balance. Despite its depth and layers, it carries itself
with typical Bin 28 ease; its complexity is apparent yet approachable. 

Technical Specs

Alcohol: 14.5%
Closure: Screw Cap
Grape Variety: 100% Shiraz
Vineyard Regions: McLaren Vale, Barossa Valley, Padthaway and Wrattonbully
Acidity: 6.5 g/L
pH: 3.64
Maturation: 12 months in American oak hogsheads, 15% new oak
Producer: Penfolds
Winemaker: Henry Slattery
Region: South Australia, Australia

Serving Temperature: 16–18°C
Decanting: 1–2 hours recommended when young.
Food Pairing: Excellent with grilled ribeye, roast lamb, beef brisket, barbecue meats, venison, hearty stews and mature hard cheeses.