Created by the legendary Max Schubert - creator of Penfolds Grange - Bin 389 is often referred to as ‘Poor Man’s Grange’ or ‘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, this was the wine that helped to build Penfolds’ solid reputation with red wine drinkers. Combining the structure of Cabernet with the richness of Shiraz, Bin 389 also exemplifies Penfolds’ skill in balancing fruit and oak. A classic Australian style with a clear Penfolds identity.
* Vineyard region: Mainly Padthaway, Bordertown and McLaren Vale, with smaller contributions from Barossa, Kalimna and Robe.
* Vintage Conditions: Good winter rains gave all key South Australian regions a very good start to the growing season. Fruit set was excellent and vineyard management to reduce crop loads, ensured the vines were in good shape to continue ripening throughout the season. Summers rains and the ensuing fine conditions meant both Cabernet and Shiraz crops reached full ripeness and optimal condition at harvest.
* Grape Variety: Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz (Syrah)
* Maturation: 13 months in new (22%), and older american Oak.
* Wine analysis: alc/Vol: 14.00%, acidity: 6.40g/l, ph: 3.69
* Peak drinking: Now - 2025
* Food Matches: ideally suited to Beef, Duck & game, Veal
* Colour: Forebodingly deep and dark red with a purple core.
* Nose: White chocolate, vanilla pod, and loganberry conserve fruits, flanked by spicy oak in support. The inky youthful intensity, with airs of dried fruits, black olives and tarriness suggest much yet to arise as the wine unfolds into its maturity.
* Palate: Delivers the intensity and opulence suggested by the aroma. Layers of blackcurrant, blueberry and reduction stocks are set against a firm base of ripe tannins and finely integrated oak. An impressively solid finish with an inky complexity and wonderful length. A prime candidate for classic Bin 389 status and long term development in the bottle.
* Winemaker comments by: Peter Gago



Penfolds Tasting Note

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