Penfolds Bin 389 Cabernet Shiraz 2021

Penfolds Bin 389 Cabernet Shiraz, South Australia, 2021

Grapes: 53% Cabernet Sauvignon and 47% Shiraz, 12 months' maturation in American oak hogsheads (37% new), fruit sourced from Padthaway, McLaren Vale, Coonawarra, Wrattonbully and Barossa Valley

Producer Tasting Note:

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/licorice 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.

Critics' Tasting Notes:

"Very deep purplish crimson. Brooding nose suggests hidden depths. Very flattering start with great balance between the two major components and a velvety texture. Lots of oomph and pleasure before the trademark tarry finish kicks in." Drink 2026-2042

17/20 points, Jancis Robinson, JancisRobinson.com, July 2023

"This is a truly great 389, perhaps the best ever... Dark maroon in colour, the aromas include plums, mulberries, mocha, leather, tobacco leaves, dry herbs and hints of a freshly rolled cigar plus a touch of blueberries. There is finesse yet intensity, focus and direction, and balance. Great length and silky tannins. Notes of chocolate, licorice and blueberries emerge on the palate. A wine which lingers with intent suggesting ageing potential of twenty years plus. Wonderful stuff, the score that has every chance of going even higher. A cracker!"

97/100 points, Ken Gargett, Winepilot.com, Australia

Also awarded 19+/20 points by Matthew Jukes

Bin 389 is 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 to forge Penfolds solid reputation with red wine drinkers combining the structure of Cabernet Sauvignon with the richness of Shiraz. 

Bin 389 is one of Australia’s great cellaring red wines. First produced in 1960, its history is connected with the development of Grange and Max Schubert’s ambition of creating a ‘dynasty of wines which all bear an unmistakable resemblance to each other’. Named after its original binning compartment at Magill cellars, Bin 389 is the most popular wine in the Australian secondary wine market because of its heritage, consistency and reputation.