Upon release the wine is bright ruby in colour. There is a teasing array of vibrant red fruit on the nose including raspberry, pomegranate, cherry and plum. Spice and herbal notes, as well as a savoury underlay, add to the wine's complexity. While the palate has generous fruit weight and velvety tannins, it is balanced with refreshing acidity and a structure that gives the wine classic North Canterbury tension and pinosity.

An abundance of flavoursome fruit. Shiraz is our hero, selected for its fine savoury tannins, dark fruit and generosity across the mid-palate. Grenache tannins, exotic red fruits and lively acid provide ample tension. Mataro plays the anchor role, binding the palate into a harmonious balance with dusty, textural, mouth filling tannins. The tannins combined feel massaged and ground, quietly confident. The acidity is fresh and enticing. The palate is plush, complete. A generous, balanced all-rounder. Certainly not over extracted or pumped up. All together an enticing, complex, evolving wine, with a creamy texture, lively freshness and a willingness to delight from the first sip. Drink 2022 to 2033.

On the palate, this wine reveals itself as a masterful play between savoury and sweeter fruit elements. Earthy forest floor flavours provide a grounding base, brambles and cola notes weave their way. Cherries and mulberries emerge, blending seamlessly with clove spice. This Pinot Noir boasts impressive length on the palate, where toasted chestnuts and pine nuts impart a subtle richness to the flavour profile. Lively quartz-like acidity punctuates each sip, ensuring vibrancy throughout; meanwhile, silky tannins contribute to a smooth mouthfeel.

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. As advertised! Full-bodied, rich and generous. Lovely mocha, chocolate, espresso flavours. The confectioner provides black jellybean, licorice, chocolate truffles and rum and raisin. Very generous fruits fill an ample, plush mid-palate. A trip to the German cake shop: black forest cake, strudel, crème anglaise. Toasted fennel seeds and fresh tarragon. The acidity is juicy and energetic. Bold, attentive, structural graphite-like tannins hold the package together. The oak is completely absorbed, allowing the fruit to shine. The finish is long and fine, with a taught shale, mineral-like impression that lingers forever.

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.

Bin 389 is often referred to as 'Baby Grange', in part because components of the wine are matured in the same barrels that held the previous vintage of Grange. Exemplifying the judicious balance of fruit and oak, Bin 389 highlights the generous mid-palate Penfolds is known for. The 2023 release leaves a lasting impression of power and elegance - layered and balanced, with rich dark fruits, supple tannins, and a long, savoury finish. A thoughtful blend of varietals. The inclusion of Cabernet Sauvignon provides impeccable structure and depth. Supporting this foundation, Shiraz adds weight and warmth. Red fruits flood the palate, with vibrant flavours of red currant and tart cranberry. The sweetness of vanilla runs throughout the wine, while mouth-coating tannins create a rich, full-bodied texture. Savoury flavours of black olive emerge, accompanied by a blend of orange zest, fennel, and olive. Impeccable, fine tannins conclude the experience, leaving a lasting impression of both power and elegance.

Inspired by Bin 707, Bin 407 offers varietal definition and approachability, yet still possesses structure and rich depth of flavour. Textbook Cabernet Sauvignon, the expressive Bin 407 demonstrates the reward of Penfolds multi-regional blending philosophy. The 2023 vintage is built for longevity, with the greatest reward reserved for those with the patience to cellar. Elegantly composed and finely structured, it reveals expressive dark Cabernet fruits, with savoury oak and understated earthy complexity. A burst of red fruit delivers a vibrant and lively mouthfeel. Steely tannins provide a structured backbone, complementing the darker tones of ripe forest fruit and a savoury hint of olives. A minerality, reminiscent of blue slate and ironstone, enhances the wine's complexity. The acidity ensures a balance that keeps the palate focused and cohesive, and its interplay with the tannins is expertly managed, allowing the wine to remain poised while delivering an abundance of flavoursome fruit. Subtle notes of tobacco lend a rich, earthy quality, contributing to a tightly-coiled palate. A young Bin 407 Cabernet Sauvignon certainly requires a decant to open up. It is not one to be hurried along. The biggest reward will come to those willing to subject their bottles to a long spell in the cellar.

The Cabernet Sauvignon grape varietal is widely planted across South Australia's premium wine regions, particularly in the Limestone Coast where grapes with tremendous structure and beautiful aromatics are found. Well-regarded since its launch in 2002, the Koonunga Hill Cabernet Sauvignon showcases the merits of multi-regional blending to Penfolds 'House Style'. A bold, full bodied wine displaying lovely aromatics, excellent structure, and great length.

Since its inception, Penfolds Koonunga Hill has always aimed to deliver quality, value and consistency. The original 1976 Koonunga Hill Claret is a legendary wine that is still drinking well today. Koonunga Hill Shiraz joined the range in 2002, a contemporary reflection of Penfolds multi-regional sourcing philosophy. Shiraz from the warmer districts of South Australia is carefully blended, with the Barossa Valley always well represented. Ripe plum, blueberry & sweet spice - undeniably South Australian Shiraz. The palate shows flint, liquorice, smoked meat & paprika. Integrated tannins remind us of the wine's place in the Penfolds family.

Penfolds Koonunga Hill Shiraz Cabernet is a reflection of the Penfolds winemaking style and philosophy. Sourced from premium vineyards across South Australia, the wine is known for its full-flavoured style with excellent Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon fruit, firm yet well-rounded structure and balanced oak. Made as a traditional 'Australian blend', the Shiraz component provides fleshy fruit flavour while Cabernet Sauvignon provides a frame of fine grained tannins. Date, boysenberry & sweet cinnamon abound. Pair with grilled meats, lamb chops or charcuterie.

Penfolds Max's Cabernet Sauvignon is a tribute to former Chief Winemaker Max Schubert 1948-1975, a legend in Penfolds history. Max's constant pursuit of excellence paved the way for those who followed in his footsteps and also allowed the status and heritage of Penfolds to grow. Max's Cabernet Sauvignon displays the Penfolds 'stamp' inspired by Max Schubert.