2022 Penfolds Bin FWT 543 Cabernet Sauvignon Syrah, Vin de France

Lovely ripe cabernet bouquet, cassis blackberry and cedar, and not so much of the tobacco/mulched leaf character. Full bodied, concentrated and rich, with a fuller mid-palate than the FWT 585. Impressive wine, and the syrah component is in the background. (Origin: Vin de France. 52% cabernet sauvignon, 48% syrah. Aged for 12 months in American (25% new, 75% 1 year old) and French (16% new, 84% 1 year old) oak barriques.) 17 Jun 2025 Drink 2028–2050

97 points Huon Hooke therealreview.com

Penfolds Bin FWT 543 Cabernet Sauvignon Syrah is one of the more intriguing wines in the Penfolds collection, as it steps outside the boundaries of Australia and into France. The “FWT” stands for French Winemaking Trial, and the wine is crafted in Bordeaux, reflecting Penfolds’ ambitious move to extend its philosophy of “House Style” winemaking into iconic wine regions around the world.

The blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah harks back to the so-called “Hermitage blends” of the 1950s and 60s in Australia, where Penfolds itself was at the forefront. In France, this style is far less common, but Penfolds works with select vineyards in the Médoc and surrounding areas, combining Bordeaux structure with Rhône opulence.

The wine has a striking aromatic profile of blackcurrant, cassis, dark cherry and graphite from the Cabernet, lifted by violets, spice, and savoury gamey notes from Syrah. On the palate it’s plush yet disciplined, with ripe fruit wrapped around fine-grained tannins, a subtle oak frame, and a long, savoury finish. It’s both recognisably French in its terroir imprint and unmistakably Penfolds in its polish.

Food pairings work beautifully with rich dishes like confit duck, venison, or chargrilled lamb, but it also shines with hearty mushroom ragù or a truffle-infused risotto. With careful cellaring, this wine will evolve gracefully for 15 years or more, developing tobacco, cedar, and earthy complexity.