Penfolds Bin 128 Coonawarra Shiraz, 2004

For me, the only negative thing I can say about this wine is that it was unfortunate enough to be tasted alongside the excellent 1983 Domaine Thalabert Crozes-Hermitage. I realize, of course, that most Australian wine drinkers would probably disagree with me.

Deep and dark ruby. Very fruit forward and charming, as you would expect from a Coonawarra red. Black raspberries, currants, cassis. Not a great deal of complexity but a good example of Australian Shiraz and a very enjoyable wine.