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 in known for.
This release in 2020 commemorates the 60th anniversary since Bin 389 was first made.
Multi-regional blend, South Australia. From McLaren Vale, Barossa Valley, Padthaway, Coonawarra, Robe, Wrattonbully.
Each
$109.00
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Additional details
Catalog:
Region:
Cellaring:
Drinking well now, but will improve with time. Peak drinking 2023- 2050.
Oak:
American oak hogsheads (38% new).
Nose:
Lifted, fragrant. Immediately Penfolds. Aficionados may quickly identify and proclaim 389.
Opulently: Trifle: layers of custard and port-wine dark jelly with flaked coconut and juniper/cassis.
Cake: old-fashioned hummingbird cake, with coconut flakes and nutty flavours.
Overheard: “Petrichor aromas gradating to silkworm-eaten mulberry leaf”. Honestly!?!
Familial youthful Bin 389 oak – subtle matchstick and a hint of vanilla powder.
As they say – what is there not to like?!
Palate:
Balance of the sweet (cabernet) and the savoury (shiraz).
Possesses what has now often been referred to as a black forest cake 2018 vintage flavour profile.
Darker fruits – closer to that of a black cherry liqueur than a crème de cassis component of Kir.
Flavours of roasted beetroot – a venison sauce beetroot reduction … similar texturally to a congealed sweet fat (a custardy emulsion/film – not a grainy paste).
Oak and tannins absorbed. Both are certainly present, yet not at all demanding their own space on this Bin 389 stage.
Substantial, intense.
Varietal Composition:
57% Cabernet Sauvignon, 43% Shiraz