Penfolds Bin 389 Cabernet Shiraz 2021 1.5L

Penfolds has a rich history dating back to 1844 when Dr. Christopher and Mary Penfold arrived in Australia with a vine cutting and a bold vision. They purchased 500 acres of land in South Australia and began producing tonics, brandies, and fortified wines made from grapes and Australian sunshine. Christopher's planting of vines and his philosophies continue to influence Penfolds to this day. Mary Penfold, the unsung chief of Penfolds, played a significant role in the winery's experimentations, growth and winemaking philosophies. Max Schubert became the company's first Chief Winemaker in 1948 and created the long-lasting Penfolds Grange in the 1950s. The tradition of 'bin wines' began in 1959 with Kalimna Bin 28 becoming the first official Penfolds Bin number wine. Penfolds continues to innovate, with the release of the rare 2004 Kalimna Block Cabernet Sauvignon in 2012 and the 170th anniversary celebration in 2014. Today, Penfolds remains one of Australia's most famed and respected winemakers, driven by generations of visionaries and innovators who strive for excellence in winemaking.

Penfolds Bin 389 Cabernet Shiraz is a wine that 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. This wine was first made in 1960 by the legendary Max Schubert and helped forge Penfolds reputation with red wine drinkers by combining the structure of cabernet sauvignon with the richness of shiraz. The judicious balance of fruit and oak in this wine exemplifies the generous mid-palate that Penfolds is known for. The use of high-quality fruit and the winery's attention to detail in the winemaking process have resulted in a wine that is both rich and complex. Bin 389 is a testament to Penfolds' commitment to creating wines that are both elegant and bold.

Penfolds Bin 389 Cabernet Shiraz 2021 (Gift Boxed) is a result of an outstanding vintage for both cabernet sauvignon and shiraz. The wine was matured for 12 months in American oak hogsheads (37% new) and hails from the McLaren Vale and Barossa Valley areas. It was a relatively mild growing season, with spring temperatures generally warmer than average, but with favorable climactic conditions for budburst and flowering, and summer temperatures near long-term average. The wine has a black core with a purple rim, a mesmerizing color combination. The aroma profile of this wine is enchanting, with a kaleidoscope of aromas. At first, it's sweet pastries, blueberry Danish and chocolate croissant, sugar dusting, followed by fruits of the forest, fresh blackberries and mulberries that come into play. There is also a suggestion of formic acid, pink peppercorns and black cardamom, adding spicy intrigue to the wine. One is also reminded of rare roast beef with black pepper crust, seared venison loin, coal dust, cocoa powder and graphite. Aniseed/licorice notes become pronounced once the wine is swirled.On the palate, the wine is a flawless integration of the two varietals, neither dominating but working harmoniously together. Black and red fruit compote flavors abound, with cocoa powder sweetness adding weight to the substantial mid-palate. It balances sweetness with savory flavors, such as cold sliced salted beef, roast lamb cooking juices and cured pastrami. The tannins are fine, reminiscent of oolong tea, providing plenty of structure and the delicious fruit is married seamlessly with the creamy American oak. Furthermore, the wine has a fine seam of acid providing a refreshing lift on the finish. It is approachable now, but it has plenty to offer down the track. Penfolds Bin 389 Cabernet Shiraz 2021 is best served with grilled or roasted meats such as lamb, beef and game meats. It is perfect for wine enthusiasts who desire a wine without an overpowering dominance of a particular varietal and love the balance between sweet and savory. Collectors will appreciate the gift boxed presentation of this classic Barossa Valley wine, and those who receive it as a gift will enjoy the high-quality wine inside that can be enjoyed now or over the next few decades.

Deep crimson. Classical Bin 389 with intense blackberry, dark chocolate, mocha aromas and roasted almond, roasted chestnut, hint sesame nuances. Generous, smooth and velvety with ample blackberry, dark chocolate, roasted chestnut/ roasted walnut, grilled nut flavours, fine looseknit chocolaty tannins, beautifully integrated oak complexity and sinuous long fresh minerally saline acidity. Finishes velvety firm with a fine tannin plume. A superb vinatge which will develop and improve further with bottle age. A keeper. Drink 2025- 2045. - 97 Andrew Caillard MW, 97 Points.

The Finer Details
Style - Red Wine
Varietal - Cabernet, Shiraz
Country - Australia
Region - McLaren Vale, Barossa Valley, Padthaway
Vintage - 2021
Bottle Size - 1.5L
ABV - 14.5