Penfolds 2021 BIN 389

Indulge in the exquisite allure of Penfolds 2021 BIN 389, affectionately known as ‘Baby Grange,’ a masterpiece crafted by the esteemed winemaker Max Schubert. Blending 53% Cabernet Sauvignon and 47% Shiraz sourced from McLaren Vale, Coonawarra, Barossa Valley, Wrattonbully, and Padthaway, this wine embodies the diverse terroirs of South Australia.

Matured for 12 months in American oak hogsheads, including 37% new barrels, Bin 389 achieves a remarkable depth and complexity. The 2021 vintage, marked by ideal growing conditions, yielded grapes of unparalleled quality across key regions.

Upon pouring, Bin 389 unveils a mesmerizing deep black core complemented by a vibrant purple rim, enticing the senses with its visual splendor. Its aromatic bouquet tantalizes with enchanting notes of sweet pastries, ripe berries, and subtle spices, setting the stage for an extraordinary tasting experience.

On the palate, Bin 389 dazzles with a symphony of flavors, seamlessly marrying black fruit, cocoa powder, and savory hints of roasted meats and spices. Fine tannins lend structure, while creamy American oak adds layers of richness and depth.

With its impeccable balance and enduring finish, Bin 389 promises a journey of pleasure from 2025 to 2055 and beyond. Whether enjoyed now or cellared for future indulgence, this wine stands as a testament to Penfolds' unwavering commitment to excellence and innovation.

Experience the timeless elegance of Penfolds 2021 BIN 389 – a wine that captivates the senses and embodies the essence of Australian winemaking tradition.

Alcohol: 14.5%

97 POINTS - "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 vintage which will develop and improve further with bottle age. A keeper." - Andrew Caillard

97 POINTS - "This is a truly great 389, perhaps the best ever. The Cabernet (53%) just dominates the Shiraz (47%). A blend of McLaren Vale, Coonawarra, Barossa Valley, Wrattonbully and Padthaway, the wine spends a year in American oak hogsheads, 37% new. Dark maroon in colour, the aromas include plums, mulberries, mocha, leather, tobacco leaves, dry herbs and hints of a freshly rolled cigar plus a touch of blueberries. There is finesse yet intensity, focus and direction, and balance. Great length and silky tannins. Notes of chocolate, licorice and blueberries emerge on the palate. A wine which lingers with intent suggesting ageing potential of twenty years plus. Wonderful stuff, the score that has every chance of going even higher." - Ken Gargett

95 POINTS - "Baby Grange gets its moniker as components of the blend are matured in the same barrels as the previous vintage of Grange. But with Cabernet Sauvignon the main player (53% in this vintage), it is more a Baby 707, especially as it always benefits from wine originally destined for that cuvée as well as Grange. A beauty of a beast, whose imposing tannin structure and abundantly ripe fruit need time. Powerful, inky blue and black berry fruits dominate the nose and palate, alongside bergamot freshness, earthy tapenade, exotic spices, iron filings and lots of black pepper. Coconut richness from 12 months in US oak hogsheads (37% new) and fine cocoa powder tannins add grip and linger long." - Decanter

94 POINTS - "The 'mini Grange', as it is known. Robust, with a core of molten raspberry, blueberry, tea leaf and anise, juxtaposed against something that feels cooler and fresher and compelling enough to reach for the next glass. Very Australian of feel. I have had old vintages of this, some very old. They are inevitably a rewarding experience. The generous oak framework, apposite in lieu of this latent wine's immense potential. Drinkable now, but best from 2027." - James Suckling

93 POINTS - "The 2021 Bin 389 Cabernet Shiraz is creamy and densely packed with flavor (packed!), and the American oak is a core part of the wine, both aromatically and in the mouth. The fruit is from McLaren, Coonawarra, Barossa Valley, Wrattonbully and Padthaway and comprises 53% Cabernet Sauvignon and 47% Shiraz. The cooler season has imbued the wine with a freshness and levity, which, if you asked me prior to tasting, I would have said it was impossible to imbue levity in the Bin 389! But there you have it. Epic intensity, present oak. Give it time. I have tasted 30-year-old Bin 389s in the past that have still been alive and fresh. So, the cellar is the place for this vintage. 14.5% alcohol, sealed under natural cork." - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

Colour:

Black core, purple rim

Nose:

A kaleidoscope of aromas. First noted, sweet pastries. Blueberry danish and chocolate croissant. Sugar dusting. The fruits of the forest are quick to emerge, fresh blackberries and mulberries dominant. There is the faintest suggestion of formic acid, Max Schubert would approve. Dried bay leaf, pink peppercorns and black cardamom add spicy intrigue. The imagination conjures thoughts of rare roast beef with black pepper crust, seared venison loin, coal dust, cocoa powder and graphite. With a swirl, aniseed/licorice notes become pronounced

Palate:

A flawless integration of the two varietals, neither dominating but working together in harmony. The aroma descriptors deftly match the palate. Flavours of black fruit and red fruit compote abound. Cocoa powder sweetness adds weight to the substantial mid-palate. There are plenty of savoury flavours to balance out the sweetness, with cold sliced salted beef, roast lamb cooking juices and cured pastrami. The tannins are fine, reminiscent of oolong tea, providing plenty of structure. The delicious fruit is married seamlessly with the creamy American oak. A fine seam of acid provides a refreshing lift on the finish. Very approachable now, but with plenty to offer down the track