Penfolds Bin 389 2022

Penfolds Bin 389 2022 delivers the power and polish that has made this wine a benchmark Australian Cabernet-Shiraz for over six decades. Often called ‘Baby Grange’ because components mature in the same barrels that previously held Grange, this is a wine built for lovers of density, structure and long ageing potential. First crafted in 1960 by legendary winemaker Max Schubert, Bin 389 combines 51% Cabernet Sauvignon with 49% Shiraz from McLaren Vale, Coonawarra, Barossa Valley, Padthaway and Wrattonbully, creating a blend that showcases the judicious balance of fruit and oak Penfolds is renowned for.

Buy Penfolds Bin 389 Cabernet-Shiraz Online NZ

The 2022 vintage benefited from a cool, unhurried growing season that allowed both Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon to ripen at an ideal pace for quality. While Padthaway faced a challenging frost event in mid-October, the remainder of the season remained mild and free from significant heat spikes or harvest delays. The result is a benchmark vintage with effortless concentration and purity of fruit, awarded 97 points by Decanter and ranking #12 in Wine Spectator’s Top 100 of 2024.

Nose: Rich and inky-hued, the aromatics burst with plush blackberries and violets backed by savoury notes of dried herbs, tar and gravel, alongside a smoky, charred, pan-scrapings nuance. Cassis and liquorice add further complexity, with a nice touch of graphite lending mineral precision.

Palate: Dense and powerful, the wine shows off a generous mid-palate layered with ruddy Shiraz ripeness and the more tannic bite of Cabernet Sauvignon’s blackberry and mulberry flavours. A satiny cushion of dark fruit rises to meet the monstrous tannins, taming them into a polished, silky texture. Matured for 12 months in 36% new American oak hogsheads, there’s just enough oak-influenced spice to season the deep, pure flavours without overwhelming them.

Finish: Serious length with a sweet and sour aspect that adds complexity, finishing with fine long fruit flavours and a moreish savoury note. The finish is warming and incredibly polished, revealing the muscle and concentration lovers of the style expect from this iconic wine.

Pair with chargrilled ribeye, slow-braised lamb shanks or mature hard cheeses to match the wine’s bold character and tannic structure.

Serve at 16-18°C in large Bordeaux glasses, and decant for at least an hour if drinking now to soften the powerful tannins.

A wine for collectors and enthusiasts seeking an Australian icon that can be enjoyed with protein-rich meals now or cellared for several decades to come.