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Penfolds Bin 2 Shiraz Mataro

Saturated red core with a crimson rim. A first-impressional glimpse of red-fruited high notes – propelling mulberry, damson plums and boysenberry. Following, scents of pastrami (lightly coated in cardamon, rosemary?) and moist slices of silverside sans mustard. Swirling and a little time in glass liberate an ascent of wafts of a deconstructed puttanesca sauce (caper/olive/tomato). Oak barely perceivable. From front to back palate, an immediate and gentle softness and freshness. This tactile smoothness/‘creaminess’ invokes an almost velour/felt/velvet/satin mouthfeel. Perhaps ‘custardy/cream sago-like’ tannins and balanced acidity induce this even emulsification? Derived flavours of quince paste and fresh white figs allow a modicum of fruited.

Penfolds Bin 8 Shiraz Cabernet

Plum purple core, purple rim. Icing sugar, cocoa powder, chinotto, freshly sliced fillet of beef, brooding dark fruits, olive tapenade, red miso, baking spices. Shiraz richness meets cabernet structure, medium bodied, balanced and rounded/complete. Red fruits coming to the fore, cherry, plumb. Contemporary, approachable. Mouthcoating, savoury, velvety tannins.
 

Penfolds Bin 28 Kalimna Shiraz

Deep, dense cherry-black. Dark and brooding. Primary blackberry fruits and black olive tapenade notes segue to black jelly bean; soot. A formic/V.A. lift merges with odours reminiscent of the burnt crystallised crust of a baked fruitcake. Caramelised black fig, quince and quandong paste, and juniper add to the evocative mix. Sheen/shine/gloss/flesh – which to choose to best describe the immediate impression of that first sip? Or maybe all four?! And yet there’s an enlivening acidity that drives the palate … a palate-shape of three dimensions – or as overheard “Well put together”. Embracing, interwoven, malleable tannins support a chewy appetising mouthfeel. Bitter chocolate to the fore, pipe tobacco and a mass of dark-berried fruits throughout. Oak? Look harder …it’s there!