The Barossa has the ability to convey a sense of place, dirt and air in the glass. The trick is to not get in the way—a cooper does not terroir make. Despite not being the dominant region in this blend (for specificity: McLaren Vale, Barossa Valley, Padthaway and Clare Valley), the Barossa makes a potent contribution. Here, in the 2020 Bin 28 Kalimna Shiraz, the concentrated, dry and warm vintage is on show and provides a splay of earthy, dense fruit, stretched over a framework of savory tannin. Despite Penfolds's reputation for big tannins/big oak, the fruit here overpowers both and streams out over the long finish. The heart of Barossa is here. Very good. Will get better.
94+ points, Erin Larkin, Wine Advocate (Jul 2022)
Ripe and generous, but the aromatics take this to the next level, with notes of cardamom, paprika and dried rose petal, plus touches of candied violet and cocoa powder, to complement the core of fleshy blackberry, black cherry and cassis. The tannins are dense but velvety, and this finishes with warm chocolaty notes. Drink now through 2035. 9,287 cases imported.
94 points, MaryAnn Worobiec, Wine Spectator (Dec 2022)
Sourced from vineyards in McLaren Vale, Barossa Valley, Padthaway and Clare Valley. Matured for 12 months in American hogsheads (16% new). Penfolds' team of winemakers have come up with an improbably fluid wine that has entirely unexpected elements of grace. All the components of fruit, oak, tannins and acidity – the last particularly important – are in synergistic union. No blowing of trumpets here.
94 points, James Halliday, Halliday Wine Companion (Aug 2022)
A homage to warmer-region, South Australian shiraz, this has a rich and smooth delivery of ripe blackberries and red-to-dark plums on the nose. The wine has taken its 12 months in American oak (16% new) well and truly in its stride. Plush and suave mouth-feel here, this is effortless and a style that sits right in the Penfolds sweet spot. A blend of McLaren Vale, Barossa Valley, Padthaway and Clare Valley. Drink or hold. Screw cap.
93 points, James Suckling (Oct 2022)
Opaque ruby. Oak-spiced cherry, blackberry and mocha aromas, along with coconut, licorice and cracked pepper accents. Deep and weighty on the palate, offering intense black and blue fruit, mocha and oak spice flavors that show an appealing sweetness but are slow to open. In a distinctly powerful style, delivering youthfully chewy tannins and a long, chewy finish that echoes the licorice and dark berry notes.
92 points, Josh Raynolds, Vinous (Sep 2022)
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