2018 Penfolds Bin 600 Cabernet Shiraz California 750 ml

Nearly a quarter-century ago, Penfolds took cuttings from some of their most prized vines and planted them halfway around the world in California. It was the kind of far-sighted project that few wineries would even consider, and only a worldwide icon could pull off.  

The result is Bin 600, the California edition of Penfolds’ “Baby Grange,” the Cabernet-Shiraz blend that challenges Grange as Australia’s most collected wine. The 2018 consists of 78% Cabernet Sauvignon from top sites in Napa Valley and Sonoma. The rest is Shiraz from the Camatta Hills Vineyard, which Penfolds custom-planted in Paso Robles 23 years ago with vine cuttings from their Magill and Kalimna Estates—sources that go into their Wine Spectator-topping $850 Grange. 

Here’s why astute California collectors should be all over Bin 600: It could legally be labeled Cabernet Sauvignon. But it’s bolstered by rich, spiced Shiraz with DNA from some of the greatest vines on Earth. 

Every sip shows why Penfolds has twice earned the title of World’s Most Admired Wine Brand. Dark ruby-violet in the glass, it’s awash in aromas of spiced black fruit, with a background of licorice, coffee beans, clove, mint, and vanilla. Rich and full on the palate with volume and lift, it’s framed by ample yet fine tannins, with gorgeous oak tones supporting the fruit. 

The Shiraz provides the perfect complement to California’s deep, dense Cabernet. A 16-month rest in 60% new American oak gave the wine a toasted character that provides a perfect lingering accent to the phenomenally structured blend.