Penfolds Shiraz Bin 128 2006

Dark inky purple color with pepper, cola and red berries on the nose. Lots of oak when first opened. As it breathes the vanilla and pepper characteristics come out. Very nice, buts needs to breathe for a couple of hours.

This is a beautiful wine, showing both opulence and grace. Tobacco, earth, pepper, anise, wild berries, cherry and vanilla play on the nose during the first hour, followed shortly thereafter by whiffs of brown sugar and cream cheese, with hints of dirt and petroleum appearing intermittently in the background. On the luxurious palate, black berry, cherry, raspberry and plum, all dance on layers of chocolate and caramel. The rich and complex medley of flavors leads to a thick savory finish, with soy sauce, chocolate and licorice surrounding the fruit medley, all boosted by zingy pepper and spice to add high notes. At two hours, plum and soy sauce dominate the palate, though sporadic notes of raspberry and blueberry appear also. Red fruits and florals, including lavender and rose, linger pleasantly on the nose. Notes of vanilla and spice dance nicely on both nose and palate throughout the lovely experience. Old leather joins the nose at four hours, along with continuing threads of anise, pepper, tobacco, and plum. Palate shifts to tobacco, chocolate and black pepper, covered by a blanket of spice and tangy acidity. The fourth is its finest hour, with a long broad savory middle, drying tastily throughout the front palate, leaving a textured cottony mouthfeel, and spreading heavy zesty pepper across the top during the zingy finish.

Penfolds describes this as "quinessential" Shiraz, a "beautiful synergy between rich South Australian fruit and well integrated American oak." Easy to drink, subtle tannins, dark and red fruits, 14.5 % alc but doesn't taste hot. At less than $20, a nice value wine.

Complex, layered and absolutely delightful Shiraz. This wine is opening up beautifully with a nose of Black Currant and plum. This fruit combines with a touch of black pepper to sail across the palate into a satisfying, lingering finish. As good as it is today this wine shows signs of developing into something really special. This is a real price/quality bargain. Buy by the case, throw it into the cellar and drink for the next 8-10 years. 92.

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Beautiful purple color. Depth. Balance of earth and fruit. Velvet on my tongue.