2022 Penfolds Bin 389 Cabernet Shiraz, Barossa Valley

Penfolds "Baby Grange" is in fine form for the 2022 release and, for me, sits at the confluence of both traditional and contemporary winemaking. Its cellaring track record is outstanding and I think this release will age beautifully thanks to its classic structure and impressive fruit depth. It's all dark plum and berry with a sheen of mahogany, sweet oak spice, cigar lounge, milk chocolate, dried cranberry and pressed violets. Layered and filigreed with compact fine-grained tannins and a sense of grace and poise as it slowly sails off. It's a ripper.

96 points DB winecompanion.com.au

Saturated purple colour, with smoky toasty oaky and barbecued meat aromas, lightly spiced, the shiraz component clearly visible here. It's full-bodied and robust, solidly structured and firm-tannined, gripping at the finish. A solid Bin 389. (McLaren Vale, Coonawarra, Barossa Valley, Padthaway & Wrattonbully. 51% cabernet, 49% shiraz. Aged 12 months in American oak hogsheads, 36% new) 03 JUL 2024 Drink 2027–2044

94 points HH therealreview.com

The 2022 Bin 389 Cabernet Shiraz is a dense beast of a wine, and the many lovers of the style will will experience paroxysms of pleasure, in that this delivers the muscle, density and concentration of yore. It is powerfully tannic, abundantly fruitful and long through the finish. What more can be said of a wine like this other than that it is a firm style, made consistently year in and year out. Aniseed, nutmeg, cinnamon and malt populate the register of spices from the charry oak. This is a big, big wine. It is composed of 51% Cabernet Sauvignon and the balance Shiraz, sourced from a blend of McLaren Vale, Coonawarra, Barossa Valley, Padthaway and Wrattonbully. 14.5% alcohol, sealed under screw cap.

93 points EL robertparker.com

The happy marriage of Cabernet Sauvignon (51%) with Shiraz (49%) rarely looks as cosy or integrated than in this stellar example. A generous mid-palate shows off fine long fruit flavours from the slow-ripening 2022 vintage, with ruddy Shiraz ripeness in step with the more tannic bite of Cabernet Sauvignon’s blackberry and mulberry adding a moreish savoury note. With 36% new American oak hogsheads used for 12 months’ maturation, there’s just enough oak-influenced

97 points decanter.com

Glossy, dark red/purple. An “old school” Penfolds nose; a classic and comforting homage to our storied past. It opens with the rich, deep tones of mahogany and the refined scent of a cigar box. Sweet oak spices are neatly interlaced with a dusty character. This foundation is lifted by summer berries, offering a balance between richness and vitality. Baking spice is present alongside tart red currant and cranberry, while thearoma of fresh pastries rounds out the note.

The palate is immediately enveloped by cocoa powder-like tannins — smooth yet profound in their impact. The wine boasts volumes of Cabernet character, showcasing cool fruits that are well lifted and vibrant. A barrel ferment nuance adds depth without overshadowing the fruit’s purity. Sourdough notes bring a rustic edge which complement the lush profiles of plum fruits, blackberry, mulberry, wild cherries and more distinctly tart morello cherries. Drink 2025-2050.