Penfolds Cabernet Sauvignon – Shiraz Bin 389 with Gift Box

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 was the wine that helped forge Penfolds’ 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.

95 Points – Decanter

Baby Grange gets its moniker as components of the blend are matured in the same barrels as the previous vintage of Grange. But with Cabernet Sauvignon the main player (53% in this vintage), it is more a Baby 707, especially as it always benefits from wine originally destined for that cuvée and Grange. A beauty of a beast whose imposing tannin structure and abundantly ripe fruit need time. Powerful, inky blue and black berry fruits dominate the nose and palate, alongside bergamot freshness, earthy tapenade, exotic spices, iron filings and lots of black pepper. Coconut richness from 12 months in US oak hogsheads (37% new) and fine cocoa powder tannins add grip and linger long.