Penfolds Bin 8 Shiraz Cabernet Review: Balanced, Warming, and Quietly Composed
Penfolds Bin 8 is often positioned as the more approachable sibling in the Penfolds family—less prestigious than the numbered icons, but still built with structure and seriousness. This 2020 release delivers on that intent: a bold, oak-forward wine that doesn’t chase sweetness or softness. The question is whether its consistency translates to character—or simply to control.
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Vintage: |
2020 |
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Region: |
South Australia |
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Varietal: |
Shiraz Cabernet |
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ABV: |
14.5% |
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RRP: |
$45 AUD |
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Format: |
750mL |
Appearance
In the glass, Bin 8 shows a vivid crimson core with a ruby halo at the rim—glossy and youthful, with no sign of age. Legs form quickly after a swirl and fall fast in clean arcs, hinting at polish and alcohol weight, without veering into syrupy density. It looks precise and self-assured—classic Penfolds styling.
Aroma / Nose
Without movement, oak dominates the nose, offering toasted wood and a dry, slightly smoky spice. A swirl unlocks more dimension—dark berry fruit, plum, and a touch of black pepper—giving the impression of layers unfolding on a tight spiral. Alcohol gives a warm lift, but the aromatic balance remains intact.
Palate / Taste
The wine opens dry and oak-driven, with a strong architectural presence. There’s no sweetness on entry—just structure, grip, and a clear sense of form. Fruit appears mid-palate with ripened plum and blackberry, offering richness without indulgence. Tannins are grippy and firm, coating the gums and roof of the mouth with intent.
Kiki observed that the Cabernet speaks first—stoic and composed—while the Shiraz arrives later with rounder fruit and generosity. The blend doesn’t blur the lines. It presents them in sequence.
Finish
The finish is long and oak-led, with structure lingering longer than flavour. Tannins settle on the cheeks, drying slowly while fruit fades. It’s a finish that reinforces the wine’s discipline—leaving a presence more than a flourish.
Food Pairing
This is a wine that doesn’t bend to food—it meets it head on.
Cheddar: Oak remains dominant; wine enhances the cheese’s umami.
Prosciutto: Less tannic grip, but structure remains unchanged.
Honey Ham: Brings a touch of depth and warmth to the wine—one of the better pairings.
Red Leicester: Still led by oak, with minimal shift.
Later, paired with wagyu steak, the wine continued to hold its shape—structured, firm, and unbothered. With garlic prawns, it became punchier and more vibrant, amplifying spice and oak without clashing. It’s rare for a red to handle seafood like this—and Bin 8 did it without hesitation.
ATC Verdict: Is It Worth the Splurge?
Penfolds Bin 8 Shiraz Cabernet 2020 is a wine that knows exactly who it is—structured, oak-forward, and unapologetically firm. From cheese boards to wagyu steak to garlic prawns, it never flinched. This isn’t a wine that adapts—it anchors.
It impressed with consistency.
It held its own with power.
But it didn’t surprise.
Would we drink it again? Yes.
Would we keep a bottle on hand for strong meals or guests who prefer bold reds? Absolutely.
Does it stir emotion or create memory? Not quite—but it earns respect.
Reliable and resolute. Built for big food, not big feeling.
Editor’s Note
Bin 8 is often overlooked in favour of Penfolds’ higher-tier releases—but that’s exactly why we chose to review it. At All That Is Cool, we’re interested in bottles that deliver real presence without requiring a cellar or ceremony. This review is part of our ongoing exploration into whether more accessible wines from prestige producers can still feel like a splurge worth making.
–Adrian – Editor at All That Is Cool
Please drink responsibly.
All alcohol reviews on All That Is Cool are intended for audiences aged 18+. We support mindful, moderate consumption and only feature bottles we’ve personally tasted and evaluated.
