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.
Palate: Instantly fresh and fleshy. Some overt single-varietal cabernet and shiraz fruits still sit separate—alongside those hybridised via the blend's sojourn in barrel and bottle …time will unite. Expected liquorice, stewed plum and blackcurrant fruits, with dark chocolate and mocha lurking in the background. Savoury and salivating—mouth-watering, succulent acidity. This acidity interplays with integrated, evolved tannins—coating the mouth and adding length. Yes, impressive length, with concentration, and a mandatory Bin 389 "sweet" core; oak completely absorbed. Polished and refined.
Nose: Ample self-standing fruits already beginning to yield to other vinous intents ...Cola, grated chocolate and cappuccino dust bind with juniper, sage/rosemary spices. A flash of brown sugar and liquorice—not quite in the Marsala spectrum—instead, brandy impressions replaced by blood orange-rind (dehydrated/candied). Oak somewhat partially hidden, yet faint scents of cedar, pencil shavings and graphite lobby for further bottle maturation. Not the liberated scents of a beef sauce reduction, nor a complete charcuterie offering, yet singular notes of air-dried bresaola (bison) will suffice! Unabashed (Baby Grange) complexities.
Size: 1.5L
Region: South Australia
ABV: 14.5%
Grape Variety: 53% Cabernet Sauvignon, 47% Shiraz
