www.penfolds.com

2020 PENFOLDS Cabernet•Shiraz BIN 389
South Australia

$53.90

97
D
96
WA
96
JS

Discover the iconic Penfolds Cabernet Sauvignon Bin 389, the “Baby Grange.” Savor its rich blend of dark fruits, mocha, and fine tannins, all elegantly balanced by American oak. Perfect with red meats or enjoyed on its own, this wine is a testament to Penfolds’ winemaking mastery. Whether you’re a seasoned connoisseur or exploring fine wines, Bin 389 offers a memorable experience that evolves beautifully with age. Don’t miss the opportunity to add this timeless classic to your collection. Purchase your bottle of Bin 389 today and indulge in a piece of Australian wine heritage.
Volume: 750 ML | 14.5% ABV

5 in stock

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Decanter – 97 Points

The superb quality of fruit allocated in this luscious blend – dubbed by many as ‘baby Grange’ – represents probably the best value to be found in the Penfolds portfolio, and is the shining star of the reds in the 2022 Collection. Its rich and plush mixture of plum, black cherry and mulberry flavours are slapped into line by a stern tannin drill sergeant, so that it finishes cleanly and absolutely correctly. Generous, approachable and complete, it tells a very satisfying wine story. Released at A$100/bottle. Jun/2022 —David Sly | decanter.com

Wine Advocate – 96 Points

Looking in on the 389 can be “‘can be,” she says, parenthetically a good insight into what we can expect from the upcoming Grange. Now, they are very different wines, no question, however, stylistically they have much in common and the illumination into the season that birthed the wines in each instance. Here, the 2020 Bin 389 Cabernet Shiraz has consummate polish and sleek tannins, imbued as they are with graphite, black tea, licorice and resin. The fruit is pure and black and chewy… gorgeous wine. And it lives for decades. This has always been a collector’s dream and continues so through this vintage. Highly recommended. Jul/2022 —Erin Larkin | robertparker.com

James Suckling – 96 Points

Very rich, ripe and intense, this has plenty of depth and is one of the strongest statements of Penfolds’ house style. Rich vanillin and sweetly spicy American oak on the nose, with chocolate, blueberry, violet, blackberry and iodine notes. The palate delivers quite approachable and supple texture, smoothly fleshy and inviting. Flavors of blackberry, blackcurrant and mulberry abound. Deep and ripe finish with nutty tannins to close. A blend of McLaren Vale, Barossa Valley and Padthaway. Drink or hold. Screw cap. Oct/2022 —James Suckling | jamessuckling.com

Description

Penfolds Cabernet Sauvignon Bin 389, often referred to as the “Baby Grange,” is a celebrated Australian red wine that has gained a distinguished reputation since its inception in 1960. This wine is a masterful blend, predominantly composed of Cabernet Sauvignon, complemented by Shiraz, and showcases the house style of Penfolds. Bin 389 is matured in American oak hogsheads, some of which were previously used for Grange, imparting a unique depth and complexity to the wine.

The wine’s appearance is a deep, vibrant crimson, hinting at its intensity. On the nose, Bin 389 offers an enticing bouquet of dark fruits, including blackcurrant and plum, intertwined with hints of mocha, cedar, and a subtle touch of vanilla. The palate is rich and full-bodied, with flavors mirroring the nose—ripe blackcurrants and dark cherries—enhanced by layers of chocolate, spice, and fine-grained tannins. The oak influence is well-integrated, adding structure and a hint of sweetness without overpowering the fruit.

Bin 389 is renowned for its balance and longevity. It evolves gracefully over time, with cellaring potential often extending beyond two decades. This wine’s versatility makes it an excellent accompaniment to a wide range of dishes, particularly red meats and hearty stews. Penfolds Cabernet Sauvignon Bin 389 is a testament to the winery’s skill in blending and aging, consistently delivering a wine that is both approachable in its youth and capable of significant development with age.

Penfolds Wines, one of Australia’s most storied and revered wine producers, traces its origins back to 1844. Founded by Dr. Christopher Rawson Penfold and his wife, Mary Penfold, the winery began as a small operation at the Magill Estate in Adelaide, South Australia. Dr. Penfold, a medical practitioner, initially planted vines with the intention of producing fortified wines, which were often prescribed for medicinal purposes during that era.

The early years saw Penfolds producing predominantly fortified wines such as sherry and port, which were immensely popular in Australia at the time. Mary Penfold played a crucial role in managing the vineyards and winemaking, showing an astute understanding of viticulture and innovation. Her contributions laid a strong foundation for the winery’s future success.

By the early 20th century, Penfolds had expanded significantly, becoming one of the largest winemakers in Australia. The 1940s marked a pivotal period under the leadership of Max Schubert, who joined Penfolds as a winemaker. Schubert’s vision and experimentation were instrumental in transforming the winery’s focus towards table wines, aligning with the global shift in wine consumption.

In 1951, Schubert created the first experimental vintage of Penfolds Grange, inspired by French Bordeaux but utilizing Australian Shiraz grapes. Initially met with skepticism, Grange eventually became Australia’s most iconic wine, showcasing the potential for premium Australian table wines on the global stage. The success of Grange established Penfolds as a pioneer in the Australian wine industry, emphasizing quality and innovation.

Throughout the following decades, Penfolds continued to build its reputation with a series of acclaimed wines, including the Bin series. Introduced in the 1960s, the Bin series, such as Bin 28, Bin 389, and Bin 707, further solidified Penfolds’ standing as a producer of high-quality, collectible wines. Each Bin wine showcased distinct characteristics and regions, contributing to the brand’s diverse portfolio.

Penfolds’ commitment to excellence has been recognized through numerous awards and accolades. The winery’s unique approach to blending and its use of both American and French oak barrels have become hallmarks of its style. Penfolds’ wines are noted for their consistency, complexity, and ability to age gracefully, making them highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts.

In recent years, Penfolds has expanded its horizons beyond Australia, with ventures into international winemaking regions. This global approach has allowed Penfolds to experiment with new terroirs and grape varieties while maintaining its core philosophy of quality and innovation.

Today, Penfolds stands as a symbol of Australian winemaking excellence, with a legacy that spans over 175 years. From its humble beginnings at the Magill Estate to its current status as a global wine icon, Penfolds continues to honor its rich history while pushing the boundaries of winemaking.

Professional Reviewer

Symbol
The Wine Advocate • robertparker.com — WA
Wine Spectator • winespectator.com — WS
James Suckling • jamessuckling.com — JS
Wine Enthusiast • winemag.com — WE
The Wine Independent • thewineindependent.com — TWI
Allen Meadows —Burghound • burghound.com — BH
Connoisseur’s Guide to California Wine • cgcw.com — CGCW
Wine & Spirits • wineandspiritsmagazine.com — W&S
The Tasting Panel • tastingpanelmag.com — TP
Antonio Galloni —Vinous Media • vinous.com — VM
Jancis Robinson • jancisrobinson.com — JR
Stephen Tanzer • International Wine Cellar — IWC
Jeb Dunnuck • jebdunnuck.com — JD
Decanter Magazine • decanter.com — D
Jane Anson —Inside Bordeaux • janeanson.com — JA

Expert Wine Reviews & Scores:
Comprehensive Insights from the World’s Top Wine Critics

 

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Wine Enthusiast (WE) • Wine Reviews, Buying Guides, and Wine Culture •

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Wine & Spirits (W&S) • Wine Reviews with a Focus on Food Pairings and Sustainability •

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Jancis Robinson (JR) • One of the World’s Most Respected Wine Writers •

Jancis Robinson is an internationally recognized wine critic, writer, and author. Her website, JancisRobinson.com, is one of the most comprehensive online resources for wine reviews, covering regions from around the globe. Robinson’s tasting notes are widely respected for their clarity and depth, and she is known for her encyclopedic knowledge of wine. In addition to wine reviews, Robinson is the author of several influential books, including “The Oxford Companion to Wine,” which has become a cornerstone of wine education. Visit Jancis Robinson for expert wine reviews.

Stephen Tanzer, International Wine Cellar (IWC) • No-Nonsense Wine Criticism •

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Jeb Dunnuck (JD) • Wine Critic with a Focus on Rhône and California Wines •

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Decanter Magazine (D) • A Leading British Wine Publication •

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Jane Anson (JA), Inside Bordeaux • The Definitive Guide to Bordeaux Wines •

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