Then Penfolds' chief winemaker Don Ditter's homage to the legendary 'special bin' experimental wines made by Max Schubert over the previous three decades, and released with Max's blessing - and indeed, reputedly stylistic input as well!  The 1980 Bin 80A is a blend of 61% Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon and 39% Shiraz entirely from the Kalimna Vineyard in the Barossa Valley, weighing in at a mere 11.8% alcohol.  A classic Penfolds expression.

Slightly reticent aromas of olive, plum, mushroom and dark berries.  The wine is quite bright on the palate, with slightly tart acidity, fine and persistent tannins, and very good length.  Shows some lovely herbal notes on the palate too, with minerals and impressive depth of flavour.  Very Cabernet in style, and remarkably fresh and vibrant.  93 points, drink now to 2030 (June 2017).