LAST CALL on one of our all-time favorites, the Penfolds Bin 28 Shiraz.  First created by winemaker Max Schubert in 1959, it was the very first wine Penfolds labeled with a ‘Bin’ number.  It was designed to highlight a particular vineyard of Penfolds’ in the Kalimna region of the Barossa Valley.  Over the years, though, the wine has morphed into something more reflecting the broader swath of amazing assets to which Penfolds has access in top Shiraz sites all over South Australia, all artfully assembled to create a stunningly delicious, very age-worthy whole.  Penfolds, a winery that has had only three executive winemakers over the past 70 years, has truly mastered the art of creating beautifully integrated blends that show all the attributes of their various components, yet nothing ever stands out except a kaleidoscope of wonderful flavors!  The 2021 Bin 28 comes from vineyards in Barossa, McLaren Vale, Padthaway, Clare and Wrattonbully and was aged for a year or so in American oak barrels of varying sizes, a small portion of which were new.  It is the classic Penfolds Shiraz:  Rich and effusive, with tons of glossy boysenberry and blueberry fruit, nicely expressed oak, broad hints of woodsy spice and a dash of black tar. While you’d never call it elegant (make no mistake about it, this is powerhouse Shiraz) there is a seamlessness and silkiness to the palate that makes it a joy to drink.  The finish is pure Penfolds: long and sweet with broad, ripe tannins and great acidity.  It’s a definite keeper as well as some hedonistic fun right now!  Our last chance at access to this great price is Thursday, 3 PM so please act soon if you’d like to jump on the lowest price in the country on this Aussie blue chip! 
James Halliday: A McLaren Vale, Barossa Valley, Padthaway, Wrattonbully and Clare Valley sourced shiraz matured in American oak (7% new) for 12 months. Deep crimson in the glass, the wine initially comes across a little shy, showing itself in the traditional Penfolds 'house style' after some time in the glass. Plentiful black and plummy fruit depth with hints of spice, roasting meats, soy sauce, charcuterie, Old Jamaica chocolate, licorice and earth. Tenses somewhat on the medium-length finish. 92 points
James Suckling:  The type of full-weighted Australian shiraz that many expect. While it could be argued that that the style is a bit fusty, what cannot be denied is the moreish feel. Iodine, clove and boysenberry billow toward a nourishing and forceful finish and the reality is that this cuvee, as with so many in the stable, is reliable and delicious. Sure, the oak is a bit fuzzy, but there is plenty to like. 92 points
Wine Advocate: The 2021 Bin 28 Shiraz hails from five regions: McLaren Vale, Barossa Valley, Padthaway, Wrattonbully and Clare Valley. The wine matured for 12 months in American oak (7% new), and this really amplifies the sweet fruit characters in the mouth. It's already nicely integrated aromatically, despite being poured and opened in the same instance (i.e., no preparation prior to tasting), and is redolent with red and purple berry fruit. Spicy, full throttle and loads of tannin in the mouth. Nicely chewy. The first vintage of this wine was in 1959. 14.5% alcohol, sealed under screw cap. 92 points