WINEMAKER'S NOTES:
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.
TASTING NOTES:
"This wine has been made every vintage since 1960. Refined, generous and polished aromas of blackberries, blackcurrants, cured meat, crushed stones and iodine. The palate is full-bodied with a rounded, textural palate and ultra-refined tannins that lead to a silky, savory, black-fruited finish. 51% cabernet sauvignon and 49% shiraz. Excellent."
- James Suckling, 96 pts.
The 2023 Bin 389 Cabernet Shiraz is inky, complete, powerful and structured, with black berries, sweet licorice, star anise and fennel. There are also notes of roasted meat juices and cedar wood. The expression of this wine is very attractive—the prism of the cooler season works well in this wine. The fruit is sourced from McLaren Vale, Padthaway and Barossa Valley, matured for 12 months in American oak hogsheads, 33% new.
- Robert Parkers Wine Advocate, 95 pts.
Distinctive for its appealing savory thread, with notes of crushed pine needle, forest floor, sage, olive tapenade, rosemary and tobacco leaf that complement the core of spiced plum, dried cherry and blackberry preserves. Offers a firm, muscular structure for an appealing backbone. Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz. Drink now through 2037.
- Wine Spectator, 93 pts.
The 2023 Cabernet Shiraz Bin 389 is well composed with a claret shape. It has focused layers of blackcurrant and graphite with a gentle core of chocolatey richness and oak sitting perfectly in place. This has excellent tension, a backward, more structural style and fleshy flavors in reserve. The 2023 is at a young age in a package that is drying and tight. Masterful blending is visible here and this will age well.
- Vinous, 93 pts.
