Penfolds Bin 389 Cabernet Shiraz 2020
Penfolds Bin 389 Cabernet Shiraz 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, Bin 389, 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 2020 vintage is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (51%) and Shiraz (49%) grapes sourced from the McLaren Vale, Barossa Valley, Padthaway and Wrattonbully wine regions matured for 12 months in American oak hogsheads. On the palate sweet American oak is evident - baking spices, icing sugar dusting. Italian Crostoli, cinnamon scrolls, Madagascan vanilla bean. The fruit has such density, the yin and yang of cabernet and shiraz, a Penfolds staple. No tussle for varietal supremacy, harmonious. Traditional German Kuchen (cake shop) sweet treats, walnut torte with ganache frosting, raspberry coulis, pouring cream. Fresh black cherries and ripe black plums. From the savoury sphere, hints of seared wagyu seasoned with cracked pepper. Sundried tomatoes, salsa verde and kalamata olive tapenade
