2020 Penfolds Bin 600 Cabernet Sauvignon Shiraz Napa Paso Robles

Bin 600 is intrinsically linked to Penfolds beginnings in California, a narrative that now spans more than twenty years. In 1998, Penfolds imported a heritage selection of vine cuttings from South Australia’s esteemed Kalimna and Magill Estate vineyards, and planted them in Californian soil. The original name of the Camatta Hills vineyard was Creston “600” Ranch, a special place in the Penfolds California timeline for it serves as a reference point to the start of our American journey. Creston Ranch is now honored in the wine’s name, Bin 600. In recognition of Penfolds history within our Californian wine story, grapes from the original 1998 vine cuttings feature in this cabernet shiraz blend. A blend that has been revered and championed by Penfolds in our modern winemaking era.

(95 points) This Californian version of the Great Australian Blend, combining Cabernet Sauvignon with Shiraz (grown from Penfolds’ South Australian vine cuttings) strikes immediate notes of familiarity. There's its spicy nose and easy harmony on the palate, seamlessly melding savoury comfort over a melange of rich red, blue and black fruit. Each component does its necessary work – the Cabernet bringing chew and texture and Shiraz giving a comforting cuddle until the blackberry grunt returns to deliver a stern final bass note. (DS) (6/2022)  Decanter