Penfolds Bin 389 Cabernet Shiraz 2018

Bin 389 is one of Australia's great cellaring red wines. First produced in 1960, its history is connected with the development of Grange and Max Schubert's ambition of creating a dynasty of wines that all bear an unmistakable resemblance. Named after its original binning compartment at Magill cellars, Bin 389 is the most popular wine in the Australian secondary wine market because of its heritage, consistency, and reputation.

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 wine helped forge Penfold's reputation with red wine drinkers by combining the structure of cabernet sauvignon with the richness of Shiraz. Bin 389 highlights the generous mid-palate Penfolds is known for by exemplifying the judicious balance of fruit and oak.

Penfolds Bin 389 Cabernet Shiraz is a flawless integration of the two varietals, neither dominating but working together in harmony. The aroma descriptors deftly match the palate. Flavors of black fruit and red fruit compote abound. Cocoa powder sweetness adds weight to the substantial mid-palate. There are plenty of savory flavors to balance out the sweetness, with cold sliced salted beef, roast lamb cooking juices, and cured pastrami. The tannins are fine, reminiscent of oolong tea, providing plenty of structure. The delicious fruit is married seamlessly with the creamy American oak. A fine seam of acid offers a refreshing lift on the finish.