Tasting Notes

Created by the legendary Max Schubert - creator of the Grange - Bin 389 is often referred to as 'Poor Man's Grange' or '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, this was the wine that helped to build Penfold's solid reputation with red wine drinkers. Combining the structure of Cabernet with the richness of Shiraz, Bin 389 also exemplifies Penfolds skill in balancing fruit and oak. A classic Australian style with a clear Penfold's identity.

The 2005 vintage was of consistent high quality across all regions. Favorable seasonal conditions - particularly mild temperatures, with few sustained hot periods, and moderate and generally well timed rainfall - resulted in good quality and steady ripening of fruit, with full varietal characters being developed.

At once elevated, the nose is separated from the others in the Penfolds Bin family by the overt high notes of its barrel fermentation contribution. This is archetypal Bin 389 with notes of Maraschino marinated dark berries mixed with dark chocolate, bayleaf, black (Kalamata) olives and roasting pan juices. Oak and charcuterie elements effortlessly fill any aromatic gaps.

The 2005 Bin 389 is complete, full and multidimensional from start to finish, its weight coupled with (understated) power, depth and length. Ripe fig, blueberry and dark plum fruit flavors synergize to create an inky/dense palate with no rough edges. The oak, and plush tannins are at one with the wine, eliciting no one dominant feature and a seamless palate.