Penfolds 'Bin 389' South Australia Cabernet/Shiraz

Winery Notes
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.

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Tasting Notes
Color: 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 and spices. A flash of brown sugar and liquorice – not quite in the Marsala spectrum – instead, brandy impressions replaced by blood orange-rind. Oak somewhat partially hidden, yet faint scents of cedar and graphite lobby for further bottle maturation.Unabashed (Baby Grange) complexities.
Palate: Instantly fresh and fleshy. Some overt single-varietal cabernet and shiraz fruits still sit separate …time will unite.. Expected liquorice, stewed plum and blackcurrant, with dark chocolate and mocha in the background. Savoury and salivating – mouth-watering, succulent acidity. This acidity interplays with integrated 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..

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Vintage Notes
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.

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Vineyard Notes

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Winemaking Notes