WINE OF THE MONTH
2020 Penfolds Bin 389 Cabernet Shiraz
The success of Penfolds has been driven by the generations of visionaries and innovators. From the beginning in 1844 to today, the merging of science, art and innovation has driven Penfolds to become one of Australia’s most famed and respected winemakers.
Bin 389 is often referred to as the “Baby Grange”, 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.
The release in 2020 commemorates the 60th anniversary since Bin 389 was first made.
19 Points – Matthew Jukes
“Drawn from McLaren Vale, Barossa Valley and Padthaway, this is nothing short of an awesome Bin 389 and the Cabernet fruit that would have made it into both Bin 707 and Bin 169 had it been imperceptibly finer is shining like a beacon in this wine. The glorious flavours are so perfect and balanced, and there is spectacular refinement here. I have long since stopped looking for the weld between these two noble red grapes in this legendary The Great Australian Red blend because it is second nature for these two varieties to fuse perfectly in this wine. 19/20 (Drink 2026 – 2050)”
Matthew Jukes, MatthewJukes.com, July 2022
96 Points – James Suckling
“Very rich, ripe and intense, this has plenty of depth and is one of the strongest statements of Penfolds’ house style.
Rich vanillin and sweetly spicy American oak on the nose, with chocolate, blueberry, violet, blackberry and iodine notes. The palate delivers quite approachable and supple texture, smoothly fleshy and inviting. Flavours of blackberry, blackcurrant and mulberry abound. Deep and ripe finish with nutty tannins to close. A blend of McLaren Vale, Barossa Valley and Padthaway. Drink or hold.”
James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com, June 2022
2020 Penfolds Bin 389 Cabernet Shiraz
Australia
Vintage: 2020
Case Format: 6x75cl
Tax Status: IN-BOND
