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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. Bin 389 highlights the generous mid-palate Penfolds is known for by exemplifying the judicious balance of fruit and oak.
95 Points - Decanter
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 and 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.
94 Points - James Suckling
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, 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.
93 Points - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2021 Bin 389 Cabernet Shiraz is creamy and densely packed with flavour (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 had 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 are still alive and fresh. So, the cellar is the place for this vintage. 14.5% alcohol, sealed under natural cork.
