Penfolds Bin 389 Cabernet Shiraz 2021

Bin 389 was often referred to as ‘Baby Grange’, in part because components of the wine are matured in the same barrels that held the previous vintage of Grange. First made in 1960 by the legendary Max Schubert, this was the wine that helped forge Penfolds reputation with red wine drinkers by combining the structure of cabernet sauvignon with the richness of shiraz. Exemplifying the judicious balance of fruit and oak, Bin 389 highlights the generous mid-palate Penfolds is known for.

GRAPE VARIETY Cabernet Sauvignon (53%), Shiraz (47%)

MATURATION 12 months in American oak hogsheads (37% new)

COLOUR Black core, purple rim

NOSE A kaleidoscope of aromas. First noted, sweet pastries. Blueberry danish and chocolate croissant. Sugar dusting. The fruits of the forest are quick to emerge, fresh blackberries and mulberries dominant. There is the faintest suggestion of formic acid, Max Schubert would approve. Dried bay leaf, pink peppercorns and black cardamom add spicy intrigue. The imagination conjures thoughts of rare roast beef with black pepper crust, seared venison loin, coal dust, cocoa powder and graphite. With a swirl, aniseed/liquorice notes become pronounced.

PALATE A flawless integration of the two varietals, neither dominating but working together in harmony. The aroma descriptors deftly match the palate. Flavours of black fruit and red fruit compote abound. Cocoa powder sweetness adds weight to the substantial mid-palate. There are plenty of savoury flavours to balance out the sweetness, with cold sliced salted beef, roast lamb cooking juices and cured pastrami. The tannins are fine, reminiscent of oolong tea, providing plenty of structure. The delicious fruit is married seamlessly with the creamy American oak. A fine seam of acid provides a refreshing lift on the finish. Very approachable now, but with plenty to offer down the track.

PEAK DRINKING 2025 – 2055

LAST TASTED April 2023