A commemorative Year of the Tiger magnum. 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.
| Varietal
Cabernet Shiraz
|
Cabernet Shiraz |
|---|---|
| Vintage
2019
|
2019 |
| Volume
1.5 L
|
1.5 L |
| 98 Points - Andrew Caillard MW |
| 97 Points - Nick Stock - James Suckling |
| 96 Points - Huon Hooke |
| 96 Points - Tony Love |
| 96 Points - Ken Gargett |
Put simply, Bin 389 manifests all that is Penfolds… a wine that so many of us have grown with. This style extolls the wisdom of blending, as it does the synergies afforded by varietal and sourcing freedom.”
– Peter Gago, Penfolds Chief Winemaker
A commemorative Year of the Tiger magnum. 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.
| Varietal
Cabernet Shiraz
|
Cabernet Shiraz |
|---|---|
| Vintage
2019
|
2019 |
| Volume
1.5 L
|
1.5 L |
| 98 Points - Andrew Caillard MW |
| 97 Points - Nick Stock - James Suckling |
| 96 Points - Huon Hooke |
| 96 Points - Tony Love |
| 96 Points - Ken Gargett |
"A dark horse vintage with the shape of Bin 389 and the torque of Bin 707.A fascinating but quite different Bin 389 revealing the light and shade of multi-regional sourcing and the hallmarks of the Penfolds House Style. Should last the distance. "
" There is a resolute conviction to Bin 389, a confident assuredness that transcends its seasons like no other wine around it in the Penfolds portfolio, its consistency grounded in the almost even marriage of its two constituents. 2019 exemplifies this, a seamless harmony between the tension and fine-boned structure of cabernet and the body and depth of shiraz, yet embraced here in seamlessly interlocked harmony. A sea of glorious Penfolds tannins float a finish both expansive and far-reaching. Another grand 389 for the cellar! "
" Deep, dense, glass staining red/purple colour. The bouquet is very savoury mixing earthy, spicy, blackstrap licorice and toasty-barrel nuances, the palate savoury and drying, the more sapid and less fruity aspects typical of of the Bin 389 style. Great intensity, concentration and focus, elegant, taut and long-lingering. A classic 389, ageworthy and very much in the style groove. "
Bright, crimson red
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?!
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.
The South-East growing districts of South Australia enjoyed above-average winter rainfall, while McLaren Vale and the Barossa Valley recorded well below-average. September temperatures were cool with little rainfall resulting in some isolated frost events. Summer was generally hot, with high temperatures delaying veraison. The Barossa Valley experienced 31 days of temperatures exceeding 35°C, while Coonawarra experienced 20 days of temperature greater than 35°C during the months December to March. Irrigation was crucial to keep vines in good health. The proximity of the Southern Ocean played an important role in moderating temperatures in Coonawarra,Wrattonbully and Padthaway, allowing for a high-quality harvest, albeit with smaller yields than average. Although yields were lower, the quality was outstanding with both shiraz and cabernet sauvignon displaying excellent colours, firm tannin profiles and intense flavours.
| Grape variety
53% Cabernet Sauvignon, 47% Shiraz
|
53% Cabernet Sauvignon, 47% Shiraz |
|---|---|
| wine analysis
Alc/Vol: 14.5%, pH: 3.59
|
Alc/Vol: 14.5%, pH: 3.59 |
| Maturation
12 months in American oak hogsheads (25% new)
|
12 months in American oak hogsheads (25% new) |
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.
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