Penfolds Bin 28 Kalimna Shiraz 1998

Penfolds Bin 28 Kalimna Shiraz is the archetypal warm climate Australian shiraz - ripe, robust and generously flavoured. First made in 1959, Bin 28 is named after the famous Barossa Valley Kalimna vineyard purchased by Penfolds in 1945 and from which the wine was originally sourced. Today, Kalimna Bin 28 is a multi-region, multi-vineyard blend, with the Barossa Valley always well represented.

"One of the highlights of the 1998 Penfolds red collection, this is a classy modern wine of polish and elegance despite its almost opulent expression of bright, minty Barossa-based fruit and its juicy, ripe flavours of red and black cherries, cassis and plum."  Jeremy Oliver 

The 1998 Bin 28 Kalimna was sourced from vineyards primarily in Barossa Valley, Clare Valley, McLaren Vale and Langhorne Creek. The wine was matured for 12 months in seasoned American oak barrels.

"Deep red. Nose: Abundant rich dark cherry, chocolate, liquorice, herb garden aromas. Palate: A richly concentrated, beautifully focused wine with deep-set dark cherry, blackberry, chocolate, cedar flavours and sweet, supple tannins. A very fresh, evolved wine with balance, length and movement. Will continue to develop. Fabulous wine."  Penfolds Rewards of Patience, Sixth edition, 2008

"Vintage Conditions: The growing season started late in South Australia due to cool spring weather, although conditions were generally free of frost and disease. Early, very warm summer weather led to an early vintage, especially in northern inland areas, with excellent fruit quality across all regions. An outstanding vintage."  Penfolds

Expert reviews 

"One of the highlights of the 1998 Penfolds red collection, this is a classy modern wine of polish and elegance despite its almost opulent expression of bright, minty Barossa-based fruit and its juicy, ripe flavours of red and black cherries, cassis and plum. Its chocolate/cedar oak is perfectly balanced, together with a sophisticated cut of tight, fine tannins. Drink 2010-2018+."  Jeremy Oliver – 95 points

"Gosh this looks in good shape. Mint married into blackcurrant married into rounds of acidity married into cedar and fresh leather. Sitting pretty, making you wait. Expressive. Ten years before it sings to its full potential. Drink Now - 2030."  Campbell Mattinson, The Wine Front - 93 points (Tasted Sep 2007)

"Full red-purple; the smooth, dark cherry and spice fruit together with a touch of vanilla oak on the bouquet leads into a strongly structured and concentrated palate. Here dark berry, plum and some more savoury characters are bound up with lingering tannins; patience will be richly rewarded."  James Halliday, Halliday Wine Companion - 93 points

"Deep-set nutty, plummy fruit, good shiraz aroma and nice oak backing; fine assertive tannins, in very good balance and rich ripe fruit galore. Lovely. Drink now to 12+ years."  Huon Hooke, The Real Review  - 93 points (Tasted Sep 2007)

About the winery

After the success of early sherries and fortified wines, founders Dr Christopher and Mary Penfold planted the vine cuttings they had carried on their voyage over to Australia. In 1844 the fledging vineyard was officially established as the Penfolds wine company at Magill Estate.

As the company grew, so too did Dr Penfold's medical reputation, leaving much of the running of the winery to Mary Penfold. Early forays into Clarets and Rieslings proved increasingly popular, and on Christopher's death in 1870, Mary assumed total responsibility for the winery. Mary's reign at the helm of Penfolds saw years of determination and endeavour.

By the time Mary Penfold retired in 1884 (ceding management to her daughter, Georgina) Penfolds was producing 1/3 of all South Australia's wine. She'd set an agenda that continues today, experimenting with new methods in wine production. By Mary's death in 1896, the Penfolds legacy was well on its way to fruition. By 1907, Penfolds had become South Australia's largest winery.

In 1948, history was made again as Max Schubert became the company's first Chief Winemaker. A loyal company man and true innovator, Schubert would propel Penfolds onto the global stage with his experimentation of long-lasting wines - the creation of Penfolds Grange in the 1950s.

In 1959 (while Schubert was perfecting his Grange experiment in secret), the tradition of 'bin wines' began. The first, a Shiraz wine with the grapes of the company's own Barossa Valley vineyards was simply named after the storage area of the cellars where it is aged. And so Kalimna Bin 28 becomes the first official Penfolds Bin number wine.

In 1960, the Penfolds board instructed Max Schubert to officially re-start production on Grange. His determination and the quality of the aged wine had won them over.

Soon, the medals began flowing and Grange quickly became one of the most revered wines around the world. In 1988 Schubert was named Decanter Magazine's Man of the Year, and on the 50th anniversary of its birth, Penfolds Grange was given a heritage listing in South Australia.

Despite great success, Penfolds never rests on its laurels. In 2012 Penfolds released its most innovative project to date - 12 handcrafted ampoules of the rare 2004 Kalimna Block Cabernet Sauvignon.

Two years later, Penfolds celebrated the 170th anniversary – having just picked up a perfect score of 100 for the 2008 Grange in two of the world's most influential wine magazines. Today, Penfolds continues to hold dear the philosophies and legends – '1844 to evermore!'.