Wine Article
2018 Penfolds Bin 389
Last edited on 6/9/2021 by bboard
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https://www.penfolds.com/on/demandware.static/-/Sites-twe-master-catalog/default/dwcd3e95e4/tasting-notes/Penfolds/Penfolds_The_Penfolds_Collection_Bin_389_Cabernet_Shiraz_2018.pdf
TASTE DESCRIPTION
Color
Bright, crimson red
Nose
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?!
PALATE
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.
TECHNICAL INFORMATION
Origin: Multi-regional blend, South Australia. From McLaren Vale, Barossa Valley, Padthaway, Coonawarra, Robe, Wrattonbully.
Maturation: American oak hogsheads (38% new)
Wine Analysis: Alc/Vol: 14.5%, Acidity: 7.1 g/L, pH: 3.59
Variety: 57% Cabernet Sauvignon, 43% Shiraz
VINTAGE CONDITIONS
Relatively dry conditions coupled with near long-term winter/spring temperatures indicated an early start to the growing season. However, a spell of cold weather in November slowed grapevine development. Warm and sunny weather prevailed throughout spring providing optimal conditions for flowering and fruit-set. Barossa Valley experienced 22 days of temperature greater than 35°C in summer, while McLaren Vale experienced 17 days greater than 35°C. Coonawarra, Robe and Wrattonbully also had a warm, dry growing season by regional standards.
Late flowering and the delayed onset of veraison throughout the south-east slowed harvest by a few weeks. The warm, dry weather carried into autumn, setting up an Indian summer with favourable conditions for ripening grapes. A fine vintage for all Penfolds South Australian growing regions.
TASTE DESCRIPTION
Color
Bright, crimson red
Nose
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?!
PALATE
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.
TECHNICAL INFORMATION
Origin: Multi-regional blend, South Australia. From McLaren Vale, Barossa Valley, Padthaway, Coonawarra, Robe, Wrattonbully.
Maturation: American oak hogsheads (38% new)
Wine Analysis: Alc/Vol: 14.5%, Acidity: 7.1 g/L, pH: 3.59
Variety: 57% Cabernet Sauvignon, 43% Shiraz
VINTAGE CONDITIONS
Relatively dry conditions coupled with near long-term winter/spring temperatures indicated an early start to the growing season. However, a spell of cold weather in November slowed grapevine development. Warm and sunny weather prevailed throughout spring providing optimal conditions for flowering and fruit-set. Barossa Valley experienced 22 days of temperature greater than 35°C in summer, while McLaren Vale experienced 17 days greater than 35°C. Coonawarra, Robe and Wrattonbully also had a warm, dry growing season by regional standards.
Late flowering and the delayed onset of veraison throughout the south-east slowed harvest by a few weeks. The warm, dry weather carried into autumn, setting up an Indian summer with favourable conditions for ripening grapes. A fine vintage for all Penfolds South Australian growing regions.