2003 Penfolds, Cabernet Shiraz, Bin 389, South Australia, $25. Black fruit, floral notes, leather, and anise define the wine, all riding on a backbone of tart acids and rounded tannins; 86/86.
2003 Penfolds, Old Vine Grenache Shiraz Mourvèdre, Bin 138, Barossa Valley, Australia, $22. The nose is a pleasant mix of red and black fruits, cocoa, and light oak. Effusively fruity, the wine is well balanced and jammy; 87/88.
2004 Penfolds, Shiraz Mourvèdre, Bin 2, South Australia, $15. Black cherries, oak and Baker’s chocolate delineate the nose, while the palate shows more pomegranate and berry flavors. The tannins are well managed, the finish crisp; 85/86.
2003 Penfolds, Cabernet Sauvignon, Bin 407, South Australia, $25. A ruby/brick red in color, the wine gives off black fruit, mint, chocolate and dill spice scents. Sporting a backbone of moderate tannins and crisp acids, you find modest fruit flavors and a long finish; 85/85.
2003 Penfolds, Shiraz, Kalimna Bin 28, South Australia, $22. Aromas of black cherries, milk chocolate, violets and oak radiate from this deep ruby Shiraz. Medium to full in the mouth, the wine is crisp, rounded, with plum and berry fruit; 85/85.
2003 Penfolds, Shiraz, Bin 128, Coonawarra, Australia, $22. Berries, oak and warm spice intermingle in the nose. Very crisp and fruity in the mouth, berry fruit predominates; 85/85.