Wine Article
2019 Penfolds Bin 389
Last edited on 8/29/2021 by LindsayM
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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.
GRAPE VARIETY
53% Cabernet Sauvignon, 47% Shiraz
VINEYARD REGION
Padthaway, McLaren Vale, Coonawarra, Wrattonbully, Barossa Valley
WINE ANALYSIS
Alc/Vol: 14.5%, Acidity: 6.7 g/L, pH: 3.59
MATURATION
12 months in American oak hogsheads (25% new)
VINTAGE CONDITIONS
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.
COLOUR
Darkened deep red
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.
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.
PEAK DRINKING
Now – 2049
LAST TASTED
March 2021
GRAPE VARIETY
53% Cabernet Sauvignon, 47% Shiraz
VINEYARD REGION
Padthaway, McLaren Vale, Coonawarra, Wrattonbully, Barossa Valley
WINE ANALYSIS
Alc/Vol: 14.5%, Acidity: 6.7 g/L, pH: 3.59
MATURATION
12 months in American oak hogsheads (25% new)
VINTAGE CONDITIONS
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.
COLOUR
Darkened deep red
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.
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.
PEAK DRINKING
Now – 2049
LAST TASTED
March 2021