Penfolds Bin 389 Cabernet Shiraz 2018 750ml

Penfolds Rewards of Patience tasting panel 2021 - 5/5 rating 
James Suckling Top 100 Wines of Australia 2020

Penfolds Bin 389 is 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. It is named after its original binning compartment at Magill cellars. 

"This has a very impressively complete feel, a hallmark of the 2018 vintage wines. So integrated. The palate has a very silky texture, so plush and polished with a wealth of rich and intense dark-plum, dark-berry and blackcurrant flavors. The oak is completely soaked with ripe, fresh fruit. This is a great Bin 389."  Nick Stock

The 2018 Bin 389 is a blend of 57% cabernet sauvignon and 43% shiraz from premium vineyards in McLaren Vale, Barossa Valley, Padthaway, Coonawarra, Robe and Wrattonbully. The wine was matured for 12 months in American oak hogsheads (38% new).

"Deep crimson. A tribute to the Penfolds tradition with its intense lifted brambly black cherry, blackberry, blackcurrant and dark chocolate aromas and mocha oak complexity. Generous and inky with persistent pure cassis, dark chocolate and chinotto flavours, fine bittersweet textures and integrated mocha/cedar oak notes. Finishes grainy al dente firm. A classic year. Peak drinking 2026 to 2048. 

Vintage Conditions: Relatively dry conditions coupled with near long-term winter/spring temperatures indicated an early start to the growing season. However, a spell of cold weather in November slowed grapevine development. Warm and sunny weather prevailed throughout spring providing optimal conditions for flowering and fruit-set. Barossa Valley experienced 22 days of temperature greater than 35°C in summer, while McLaren Vale experienced 17 days greater than 35°C. Coonawarra, Robe and Wrattonbully also had a warm, dry growing season by regional standards. Late flowering and the delayed onset of veraison throughout the south-east slowed harvest by a few weeks. The warm, dry weather carried into autumn, setting up an Indian summer with favourable conditions for ripening grapes. A fine vintage for all Penfolds South Australian growing regions."  Penfolds