Penfolds Bin 28 Kalimna Shiraz

Penfolds Bin 28 Kalimna Shiraz is a multi-regional South Australian Shiraz bottled at 14.5% ABV in a standard 750ml format. First produced in 1959 as the earliest wine in Penfolds' iconic Bin range, Bin 28 has earned consistent critical praise, including 94 points from Wine Spectator for the 2021 vintage and 94 points from James Suckling for the 2018 vintage.

Quick Facts: ABV: 14.5%  |  Origin: South Australia, Australia  |  100% Shiraz  |  12 Months American Oak  |  Producer: Penfolds

Production & Heritage

Penfolds, founded in 1844 by Dr. Christopher Rawson Penfold near Adelaide, is one of Australia's most storied wine producers. Bin 28 takes its name from the historic Kalimna vineyard in the Barossa Valley, which Penfolds purchased in 1945. Originally a single-vineyard wine, the expression has evolved into a multi-regional blend drawing fruit from warm-climate South Australian zones including the Barossa Valley, McLaren Vale, Padthaway, and Wrattonbully. The wine is made from 100% Shiraz and matured for 12 months in American oak hogsheads, a deliberate choice that contributes generous vanilla and spice integration without overwhelming the fruit. As the inaugural Bin-range release, Bin 28 holds a foundational place in the Penfolds hierarchy, sitting as a gateway to the house style that culminates in Grange.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Deep, concentrated aromas of blackberry and black cherry lead into layers of cedar, clove, and crushed stone. Violet and black pepper emerge with time in the glass, adding complexity to the dark fruit core.

Taste: The entry is rich and luscious, immediately presenting dark-berried fruits and cassis. At mid-palate, bitter chocolate and pipe tobacco develop alongside subtle vanilla and almond nougat from the American oak maturation. Grainy, sandy tannins provide structural grip, while notes of dried porcini mushroom, tamarind, and leather add a savory dimension that deepens through the mid-palate.

Finish: Medium to long, with focused dark fruit carrying through alongside dusty tannins and lingering spice. Cedar and tobacco linger, leaving a dry, satisfying close with excellent persistence.

How to Drink Bin 28

Bin 28 is best served at cellar temperature — around 16–18°C — and benefits from 20 to 30 minutes of decanting, particularly in younger vintages. A classic Shiraz cocktail, the Kalimna Spritz, works well as a lighter warm-weather serve, combining the wine with sparkling water and a dash of orange bitters. For a richer option, a red wine sangria built around Bin 28's dark fruit and spice profile pairs naturally with seasonal stone fruits and cinnamon. A straightforward red wine mulled wine also showcases the American oak sweetness and spice notes beautifully during cooler months.

Best For

• Introducing someone to premium Australian Shiraz for the first time
• Pairing with a weekend barbecue of grilled red meats
• Building a vertical collection of Penfolds Bin wines
• Gifting a wine enthusiast exploring the Penfolds range

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Bin 28 taste like? Bin 28 delivers rich dark berry fruit, bitter chocolate, and pipe tobacco with savory undertones of dried mushroom and leather, all supported by grainy tannins and American oak-derived vanilla.

How does Bin 28 compare to Penfolds Bin 128 Coonawarra Shiraz? Bin 28 draws fruit from warm-climate South Australian regions, resulting in a fuller, more generous dark-fruit profile, while Bin 128 sources exclusively from the cooler Coonawarra region, producing a more restrained, mineral-driven expression. Both are aged in oak and sit at a similar price tier, but they represent distinctly different climate signatures within the Penfolds Bin range.

Is Bin 28 good for drinking neat? Bin 28 is an excellent wine to drink on its own, with enough fruit concentration, tannin structure, and oak complexity to reward careful attention — a short decant helps open up the aromatics.

Where is Bin 28 made? Bin 28 is produced by Penfolds in South Australia, blending fruit from the Barossa Valley, McLaren Vale, Padthaway, and Wrattonbully regions. It is named after the Kalimna vineyard in the northern Barossa Valley.

What foods pair well with Bin 28? Grilled lamb chops complement the wine's dark fruit and tobacco notes. Slow-braised beef short ribs mirror its richness and savory depth. Aged cheddar or Comté cheese echo the vanilla and nougat undertones from American oak. Dark chocolate desserts work alongside the bitter chocolate notes in the mid-palate. Smoked sausage or charcuterie boards play well against the peppery spice.

What sizes does Bin 28 come in? Penfolds Bin 28 Kalimna Shiraz is widely available in the standard 750ml bottle.

Is Bin 28 worth the price? Bin 28 positions as a mid-range expression within the Penfolds portfolio, sitting above the Koonunga Hill and below Bin 150 and Bin 389 in the hierarchy. For a multi-regional Shiraz with 12 months of oak aging and consistent 92–94 point scores from major critics, it represents strong value in the premium Australian Shiraz category.

Why Bin 28?

As the first wine ever released under the Penfolds Bin numbering system in 1959, Bin 28 carries genuine historical significance — it is the foundation stone of one of the most recognized wine ranges in the world. The multi-regional blending philosophy allows Penfolds' winemakers to maintain a remarkably consistent house style vintage after vintage, drawing on the best warm-climate Shiraz fruit South Australia has to offer. Consistent scores of 92–94 points from publications including Wine Spectator, James Suckling, and The Wine Front confirm that the quality matches the pedigree. For anyone seeking an entry point into the depth and ambition of the Penfolds range, Bin 28 remains the most logical and rewarding place to start.