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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. Exemplifying the judicious balance of fruit and oak, Bin 389 highlights the generous mid-palate Penfolds is known for.
"A classic Bin 389… Very good density, complexity and flow."
"There is plenty of purpose, future and drive, with the big structure still dominating the narrative… It needs time, no doubt about that. But, oh boy, how well it will do. 98 Points."
"The wine that very much epitomises the concept of blending… This is an exceptional 389… A complete wine… Wonderful stuff. For enjoying over the next twenty-five to thirty years. Every chance it will step up even further over that period.”"
Cabernet Sauvignon leads, assertive and composed, supported by sweet spice, mulberry and a weave of assorted black and red fruits. Savoury notes follow, with ferrous ironstone, blacksmith’s soot, black Sicilian olive and green peppercorns, layered with crème brûlée, tobacco leaf and Italian herbs. Striking notes of horseradish, wasabi and steak tartare bring energy and tension, softened by lifted florals of violet and lavender.
Rich and generous with a weighty, layered mid‑palate. Dark chocolate, cherry liqueur and blueberries sit alongside nuances of coconut and squid ink. Fresh, vibrant acidity drives length and balance, while silken, talc‑like tannins are finely resolved, delivering polish, authority and exceptional persistence. A classic Bin 389 with decades of cellaring potential.
Download Tasting Notes (PDF 94 KB)
Vintage 2024 combined a restrained early season with a warm, dry finish across southern South Australia. Below‑average winter rainfall reduced soil moisture ahead of budburst, placing early emphasis on vine balance. Flowering occurred under variable spring conditions; isolated high‑temperature events in November disrupted fruit set in the Barossa Valley and McLaren Vale. Coonawarra and Padthaway experienced cooler spring temperatures, moderating canopy growth before December rainfall replenished profiles and stabilised vine health. From January onward, conditions trended warm and dry, with limited rainfall and elevated temperatures accelerating ripening. The Barossa Valley recorded several heat events in February and early March, while McLaren Vale was tempered by coastal influence. A concentrated March heat spell affected Coonawarra and Padthaway, followed by a cooler April, allowing composed harvest decisions. Overall, 2024 delivered small berries, firm tannin structure and savoury intensity, fruit ideally suited to the Bin 389 style.
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 180 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.