Penfolds Bin 389 Cabernet Shiraz 2018 750ml

Penfolds Bin 389 Cabernet 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 is known for.

Hints of toasted coconut accent big cassis aromas on the nose of the 2018 Penfolds Bin 389 Cabernet Shiraz, which is a 57-43 blend this vintage. Full-bodied, with cherry flesh complementing the sterner cassis and tobacco notes, it’s supple enough to be approachable now, yet with the concentration and requisite dusty tannins on the long finish to support more than a decade of aging.

Bright, crimson red in appearance. Aromas are lifted, fragrant. Immediately Penfolds. Aficionados may quickly identify and proclaim 389. Balance of the sweet (cabernet) and the savoury (shiraz). Possesses what has now often been referred to as a black forest cake 2018 vintage flavor profile.

Darker fruits – closer to that of a black cherry liqueur than a crème de cassis component of Kir. Flavors 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.