Product Description
Penfolds Bin 389 Cabernet Shiraz 2019, often referred to as “Baby Grange”, is a captivating blend that exemplifies the best of both worlds—structured Cabernet Sauvignon and rich, ripe Shiraz. First created by the legendary Max Schubert in 1960, this iconic wine combines elements from the celebrated Grange barrels, adding a layer of complexity and depth to its character. The 2019 vintage blends fruit from renowned South Australian regions like Padthaway, McLaren Vale, Coonawarra, and the Barossa Valley, resulting in a wine that captures the boldness of the land and the elegance of its craftsmanship. With layers of ripe fruit, subtle oak, and a long-lasting finish, this wine is a true reflection of Penfolds’ tradition of excellence and is perfect for both immediate enjoyment and long-term cellaring.
2019 saw varied weather conditions across the growing regions, with cool temperatures and below-average rainfall early in the season, followed by a hot summer. Despite smaller yields, the vintage produced excellent quality with vibrant colours, firm tannins, and intense flavours.
Peak Drinking: Now – 2049
Maker
Penfolds is one of Australia's most revered and storied wineries, with a history that spans over 175 years. Known for its bold, innovative approach to winemaking, Penfolds has continually set the standard for premium Australian wines. The winemaking team, led by Penfolds’ Senior Winemaker Stephanie Dutton, has always embraced both tradition and experimentation, crafting wines that reflect the unique terroirs of Australia. Penfolds’ commitment to excellence and its mastery in blending are at the heart of their flagship wines, including St Henri Shiraz. The winery’s rich history, innovative techniques, and deep connection to the Australian landscape make Penfolds a leading force in the global wine industry.
Philosophy
Penfolds’ winemaking philosophy is rooted in a dedication to quality, craftsmanship, and innovation. The team prioritises balance and harmony, ensuring each wine captures the essence of its terroir. With a focus on blending, Penfolds creates wines that are complex, approachable, and age-worthy. St Henri Shiraz, in particular, is a testament to this philosophy, as it is made without the influence of new oak, allowing the fruit to speak for itself. The wine is aged in large vats, where it gains richness and depth, yet retains its graceful, earthy, and mocha-like characters as it matures. This wine reflects Penfolds’ commitment to producing wines that showcase the best of Australian viticulture while remaining true to the winemaking legacy that has made the brand a global icon.
Tasting Notes
Nose
Complex Aromatics, Subtle Spices, and Sweet Fruit
Aromas of cola, grated chocolate, and cappuccino dust are intertwined with fresh juniper, sage, and rosemary spices. A touch of brown sugar and hints of liquorice evolve.
Palate
Bold, Fresh, and Rich with Savoury Depth
A rich and fleshy entry with flavours of stewed plum, blackcurrant, and dark chocolate complemented by mocha. A seamless balance between savoury and sweet, with succulent acidity that brings freshness, while the integrated tannins provide length and structure, making this wine both mouth-watering and impressive.
Finish
Long, Elegant, and Persistent
A lingering finish of dark chocolate, oak, and sweet spice, with a polished, refined feel. The wine’s evolved tannins and fine acidity continue to carry the flavours across the palate, showcasing the wine’s balance and aging potential.
Deep crimson. Fresh blackcurrant, mulberry, black cherry, dark chocolate aromas with roasted chestnut, cedar, liquorice notes. Full bodied and evenly balanced wine with inky cassis, mulberry black cherry fruits, fine grainy slightly grippy tannins, attractive mid-palate volume and roasted chestnut cedar wood notes. Finishes vigorously firm with plentiful sweet fruit notes. Quite muscular in attack but has the density and the richness to carry the tannins. A dark horse vintage with the shape of Bin 389 and the torque of Bin 707. - Andrew Caillard MW, 96 Points
The Finer Details
Style - Red Wine
Varietal - Cabernet Sauvignon 53%, Shiraz 47%
Country - Australia
Region - McLaren Vale, Barossa Valley, Padthaway, Coonawarra, Robe, Wrattonbully
Vintage - 2019
Bottle Size - 750ml
ABV - 14.5%