2021 Penfolds Bin 600 Cabernet Shiraz, California

Penfolds has done a daring thing in transposing the definitive Australian blend to the Napa and this is an exemplary declaration of its success, and the finest yet. A core of cabernet blackcurrants is well backed by the glossy blackberries of shiraz, confidently framed in layers of dark and milk chocolate American oak and the rigid tannin framework that declares Penfolds. Deep, dark and enduring, it delivers a quintessential expression of Penfolds with all the grandeur of the Napa.

96 points tysonstelzer.com

85/15% cabernet sauvignon/shiraz from California's Napa Valley and Paso Robles from the excellent 2021 vintage. Vibrant crimson with ripe plum and blackberry fruit of impressive depth and intensity. Hints of baking spices, violets, blueberry pie, green peppercorns, cherry clafoutis and cream oak. There's a juicy, aromatic intensity that transposes to an expressive and approachable palate shape, packed with bright, pure fruit, nicely-judged oak and a plume of fine spice on the exit.

93 points Dave Brookes winecompanion.com.au

85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Shiraz

Soft red/purple core with a ruby rim. A nose that immediately seduces. Initial scents of steamed fig/treacle pudding which transition into fragrant roses. This floral note then entwines with the warm, buttery aroma of French pastries — freshly baked brioche and blueberry danish. The core fruits ofboysenberry meld with the innate characters of Cabernet and Shiraz. A savoury complexity emerges through pepper crusted ham and pastrami, while green peppercorns provide a fresh, spicy lift.

On tasting, the palate reveals itself to be both creamy and soft, with bright fruits that promise immediate gratification. This wine exhibits lovely drinkability; it’s balanced and fine-tuned. Cherry Ripe unfurls across the tongue, followed by a nod to strawberries and cream sweets.

Peak Drinking Now – 2038