Penfolds Bin 389 Cabernet Shiraz 2014

Created by the legendary Max Schubert - creator of Grange - Bin 389 is often referred to as 'Poor Man's Grange' or '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, this was the wine that helped to build a solid reputation with red wine drinkers. Combining the structure of cabernet with the richness of shiraz, Bin 389 also exemplifies Penfolds skill in balancing fruit and oak. A classic Australian style with a clear Penfolds identity.

“This release is sourced from the Barossa Valley, Wrattonbully, McLaren Vale and Coonawarra. Cabernet is (just) the main driver in the blend, taking a 53% share. This 2014 release spent 12 months in American oak, 53% new. In a word: yes. It’s a complete wine. It’s drenched in fruit and groans with tannin. It lays dark-but-powdery chocolate notes over blackcurrant, soy, mint and plum. There’s a leafiness, almost a spiciness, but it’s gentle, it’s seamless. It’s powerful but neat; it’s silk wrapped around an anvil. No fuss. No hesitation. This release sees Penfolds Bin 389 in top form.” Wine Front 96 points
Campbell Mattinson, Wine Front, October 2016