TN: 1996 Penfolds Bin 28 Shiraz

Alan Rath · Post by **Alan Rath** » Wed Mar 31, 2004 3:35 am

Dense, inky black/crimson in color, still very youthful; this is a nice example of a big, but balanced, Barossa shiraz: flavors of ripe blackberries, with subtle undertones of tar and licorice; there are substantial fine tannins, but not mouth-puckering, and enough vanillin oak to be noticeable, but not obtrusive; fairly long, smoky, very pleasant finish. 92/100. I can see this going easily another decade.

Regards,
Alan

simm · Post by **simm** » Wed Mar 31, 2004 8:40 am

Great stuff Alan,

Only have one of these left and always reluctant to open it. Tried one last year and it seemed to me that needed a few more years. The tannins were still too strong for me.

cheers,

Mike Hawkins · Post by **Mike Hawkins** » Wed Mar 31, 2004 2:08 pm

Alan,

I agree, this one has years in front of it, and I daresay has not yet reached its peak. I'm not sure how much of the fruit came from the Barossa, but I would guess a fairly large proportion, as it had that typical warmer climate taste and mouthfeel.

I have been critical of this label in recent years, but the 96 was an excellent effort for a $15 wine.

Mike