Penfolds BIN 389 CABERNET SHIRAZ 2020 14,5% Vol. 0,75l

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.

COLOR

Deep garnet core, crimson rim.

NOSE

Tightly coiled. Sweet American oak evident – baking spices, icing sugar dusting. Italian Crostoli, cinnamon scrolls, Madagascan vanilla bean. The fruit has such density, the yin and yang of cabernet and shiraz, a Penfolds staple. No tussle for varietal supremacy, harmonious. Traditional German Kuchen (cake shop) sweet treats, walnut torte with ganache frosting, raspberry coulis, pouring cream. Fresh black cherries and ripe black plums. From the savoury sphere, hints of seared wagyu seasoned with cracked pepper. Sundried tomatoes, salsa verde and kalamata olive tapenade.

PALATE

A well-defined focus on palate. Forward facing – line and length. The fascinating interplay between cabernet sauvignon and shiraz providing not only considerable length and structure, but also width and density. Result... completely filling the palate. Always anticipated, a trademark creamy Bin 389 mid-palate. A wine with much to offer even in the flush of youth. Complexing flavours: savoury nuances of freshly sliced fennel, pan wilted radicchio leaf and pickled turnips. Moroccan lamb backstraps on eggplant relish. Red liquorice and cherry provide a sweet counterpoint. Evolved tannins seamlessly drive the palate structure. Will last many decades, if you can wait that long.

AWARDS

19/20 Points - Matthew Jukes

97 Points - Andrew Caillard MW

97 Points - David Sly, Decanter Magazine

97 Points - Tony Love

96 Points - Tyson Stelzer