Bin 389 Cabernet Shiraz 2023 (Cork)
Penfolds
Bin 389 Cabernet Shiraz 2023 (Cork)
Penfolds
Bin 389 Cabernet Shiraz 2023 (Cork)
- Exclusive pricing and offers
- Shipping included
- Plus more
Overview
Overview
Bin 389 is 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. Exemplifying the judicious balance of fruit and oak, Bin 389 highlights the generous mid-palate Penfolds is known for.
The 2023 release leaves a lasting impression of power and elegance – layered and balanced, with rich dark fruits, supple tannins, and a long, savoury finish.
| Varietal | Cabernet Sauvignon Shiraz |
|---|---|
| Vintage | 2023 |
| Country | Australia |
| Region | Multi Region |
| Volume | 750 mL |
| Closure | Cork |
| Alc/Vol | 14.5% |
| Peak Drinking | Now - 2050 |
| Winemaker | The Penfolds Team |
Awards and Accolades
Awards and Accolades
| 96 Points | Andrew Caillard MW |
| 96 Points | Ken Gargett |
| 96 Points | Dave Brookes, Halliday Wine Companion |
| 95 Points | Jeni Port |
| 95 Points | Tyson Stelzer |
| 18.5/20 Points | Matthew Jukes |
| 95 Points | Huon Hooke |
| 95 Points | Lisa Cardelli |
| 95 Points | Erin Larkin |
| 95 Points | Ray Jordan |
| 95 Points | Campbell Mattinson |
Andrew Caillard
"Deep crimson. Perfumed violet, praline, blackcurrant/ blackberry aromas with inky/ chinotto notes. Voluminous and sinuous with beautiful pure cassis, chinotto flavours, plentiful fine chalky al-dente tannins and well-balanced roasted chestnut/ marzipan/ vanilla notes. Builds up brambly firm at the finish. Lovely density, vinosity and flow. Drink now – 2045. 14.5% alc. 96 Points."
Ken Gargett
"Always a star of the Collection, year after year. The blend, as it almost always is, falls marginally in favour of Cabernet – 51% Cab to 49% Shiraz this time. The fruit hails from McLaren Vale, Padthaway and the Barossa Valley. Maturation is in American oak hogsheads for one year, one third of which are new. A triumph for the vintage. Early complexity is very much evident, and we can expect that to really develop further in the coming years. Power, yes, but this is also effortlessly elegant. Delicious now, this will surely drink beautifully for the next fifteen years, considerably longer if you really do have the patience. Love it. 96 Points."
Lisa Cardelli
"A blend of 51% Cabernet Sauvignon and 49% Shiraz, showcasing the best of both worlds. Crushed violets, ylang-ylang oil, shimmering blackberries and blood plums, boysenberry compote, rosemary, polished leather and dark Ghana chocolate, amongst all. The tannins are granular, and the mid-palate focuses on the sweetness of the oak spices and fruit, lending the finale an umami-like tone. As time passes, the wine evolves, offering a new and interesting take each time. 95 Points."
Taste Description
Taste Description
Nose
Featuring an intricate blend of dark fruit aromas, with the richness of blackberries and the juicy depth of plums holding attention. Hints of Portuguese custard and cinnamon sugar bring sweetness, while the exotic spiciness of pecan-infused hummingbird cake contrasts with the savoury notes of rosemary lamb. Undertones of aromatic dried herbs and a subtle hint of boot polish add depth to the profile. The influence of fine, toasty oak is present but discreetly folds into the fruit. An umami soy sauce character and the rich, cured flavour of bresaola round out the aromatic profile.
Flavours and Palate
A thoughtful blend of varietals. The inclusion of Cabernet Sauvignon provides impeccable structure and depth. Supporting this foundation, Shiraz adds weight and warmth. Red fruits flood the palate, with vibrant flavours of red currant and tart cranberry. The sweetness of vanilla runs throughout the wine, while mouth-coating tannins create a rich, full-bodied texture. Savoury flavours of black olive emerge, accompanied by a blend of orange zest, fennel, and olive. Impeccable, fine tannins conclude the experience, leaving a lasting impression of both power and elegance.
Viticulture Vintage & Winemaking
Viticulture Vintage & Winemaking
South Australia
Home to the oldest vines in the country, and no less than 18 wine growing regions, South Australia accounts for almost 50% of Australia’s wine production. The Barossa Valley, McLaren Vale, Langhorne Creek and Coonawarra are well known for their world class reds, with Adelaide Hills, Clare Valley and Eden Valley praised for their exceptional Chardonnay and Riesling.
Vintage Conditions
McLaren Vale witnessed a wetter-than-average growing season due to persistent low-pressure systems in October and November. The cold, windy conditions affected flowering and fruit set, while isolated hail reduced yields. A delayed but cool harvest yielded high-quality grapes with concentrated flavours and ripe tannins. Cooler spring temperatures with more cloud coverage slowed vine development, but no significant frosts occurred. January temperatures were close to long-term average while the rest of the growing season was cool. The harvest proceeded without major heat spikes, producing exceptional Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon. The Barossa Valley navigated climatic variations with near-average winter rainfall but drier conditions leading to budburst. Drier conditions later in the season and moderate harvest temperatures allowed for the development of high-quality grapes. Shiraz performed well, ripening with exceptional varietal characteristics.
The Penfolds Team
Key to the success of Penfolds has been a lineage of visionary winemakers. There have only ever been four Chief Winemakers at the helm of Penfolds – Max Schubert, Don Ditter, John Duval and Peter Gago, each a custodian of a rich winemaking tradition that goes back for more than 170 years.
Our current Penfolds winemaking team has more than 100 years between them as Penfolds winemakers. They are constantly refining and improving their work, whilst honouring the winemaking techniques of their predecessors.