2023 Penfolds 'Bin 389' Cabernet-Shiraz South Australia
Born from Max Schubert's famed Grange trials in the mid-20th century, Bin 389 Cabernet Shiraz is one of Penfolds most sought-after red blend wines. Its distinct personality showcases the benefits of cross-varietal and multi-regional blending, with complex aromatics, palate richness and decades of cellaring capability. 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.
The 2023 is an almost perfect half and half blend of juicy, dense Shiraz and structured Cabernet Sauvignon. Rich blackberry on the palate with notes of shaved dark chocolate and Black Forest cake. Hints of Portuguese custard and cinnamon sugar bring sweetness, while the exotic spiciness of pecan-infused sponge cake contrasts with the savory notes of rosemary lamb. A feast for the senses and an icon in the cellar!
Penfolds has a very long and meandering history, and represents generations of winemaking knowledge in action. In 1844, Dr. Christopher and Mary Penfold planted vineyards at Magill Estate near Adelaide. The first Penfolds wines, from the 1800s, were made from newly established vineyards around Adelaide and made for the enjoyment of new South Australian colonists. During the first part of the 20th century, Penfolds gradually added significant acreage and became a household name across Australia. It exported table and fortified wines throughout the Commonwealth. After a visit to France in 1950, Penfolds chief winemaker Max Schubert dreamed bigger, wanting to dramatically expand the winery’s export presence, as the French had. The iconic Penfolds Grange came forth in 1951, leading to a remarkable parade of wines that would bring Penfolds wines worldwide acclaim for their richness, consistency, and longevity.
James Suckling
This wine has been made every vintage since 1960. Refined, generous and polished aromas of blackberries, blackcurrants, cured meat, crushed stones and iodine. The palate is full-bodied with a rounded, textural palate and ultra-refined tannins that lead to a silky, savory, black-fruited finish. 51% cabernet sauvignon and 49% shiraz. Excellent.
Wine Advocate
The 2023 Bin 389 Cabernet Shiraz is inky, complete, powerful and structured, with black berries, sweet licorice, star anise and fennel. There are also notes of roasted meat juices and cedar wood. The expression of this wine is very attractive—the prism of the cooler season works well in this wine. The fruit is sourced from McLaren Vale, Padthaway and Barossa Valley, matured for 12 months in American oak hogsheads, 33% new.
Wine Spectator
Distinctive for its appealing savory thread, with notes of crushed pine needle, forest floor, sage, olive tapenade, rosemary and tobacco leaf that complement the core of spiced plum, dried cherry and blackberry preserves. Offers a firm, muscular structure for an appealing backbone. Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz.
Vinous
The 2023 Cabernet Shiraz Bin 389 is well composed with a claret shape. It has focused layers of blackcurrant and graphite with a gentle core of chocolatey richness and oak sitting perfectly in place. This has excellent tension, a backward, more structural style and fleshy flavors in reserve. The 2023 is at a young age in a package that is drying and tight. Masterful blending is visible here and this will age well.