2016 Penfolds Bin 111A Shiraz

"Deep Dark Red. Via reference: 54% Clare Valley, 46% Barossa Valley. Via glass: 100% Penfolds. Clare aromatics immediately evident ...iodine, caper berries and grated dark chocolate. In parallel ... a concession of powerful, generous Barossa bread and butter pudding and blueberry fruits. ‘Cross-over’ Moroccan spices – cumin, fresh cardamom, turmeric – may have entwined to reinterpret source, but not variety. Oak? Conceded. Just. Velvety. Completely engulfs. Tempers palate ... doesn’t attack or intimidate with alcohol or extract. A mix of bitter chocolate dust, wet bitumen and a maelstrom of dark fruits reflect the wine’s age and confirm derivation. And just what is that underlying almost molasses, not quite maple syrup richness? Best guess – a sweet soy, sweet soy sauce, shiraz flavor. Oak? Crafted and assembled so deftly, somehow perceptually dovetailed into tannins and infused into acidity. No gaps, no rough edges. Harmonious." - Penfolds