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.
Color
Deep red
Nose
Much more than a first-wave impression of blackcurrant/cassis cabernet-driven aromatics...
• A second of chive, mustard spice, beeswax, lemon/honey tea and thyme flowers.
• A third of cherry-wood, sarsaparilla, aniseed.
• A fourth of wet cold steel and a wet peppercorn tree.
... all four unlocked, unravelled and liberated via time and air.
Palate
Full and rich. A custom-fitted generous mid-palate – mandated for this marque. Flavours of a platter of charcuterie meats, pastrami dominating.
Also vying for taste and textural attention – pomegranate, cranberry, Madagascan vanilla pod, liquorice straps.
This wine’s youthful profile tempered by softened and even tannins – from start to finish. And the judicious use of new oak.
