2023 Penfolds Bin 389 Cabernet Shiraz, Barossa Valley

Deep, dense colour that coats the glass; powerful aromas of black coffee, mocha, and dark chocolate; the palate is full-bodied, rich and concentrated with lavish tannins which are supple and pliant, coating the mouth but leaving no astringency. Some dark loamy earth notes and oak is there but sensitively employed. A solid, generous, typical 389 which will reward over the long term. (McLaren Vale, Padthaway, Barossa Valley. 51% cabernet, 49% shiraz) 17 Jun 2025 Drink 2028–2043

95 points Huon Hooke therealreview.com

A strong release for the Bin 389. This year is a blend of 51/49% cabernet sauvignon/shiraz. Deep fruit characters of blackberry, black cherry and blueberry of considerable purity and depth, supported by hints of mixed spice, violets, creamy oak, cold black tea, panforte and earth. Strong powdered gravel tannins provide grip and support, and there is a considerable depth to the persistent finish as the wine sails slowly away. Built for the cellar.

96 points Dave Brooke winecompanion.com.au

Penfolds Bin 389 Cabernet Shiraz is one of Australia’s most iconic and sought-after red blends, often referred to as “Baby Grange” — and with good reason. First created in 1960 by the legendary Max Schubert, Bin 389 embodies the Penfolds philosophy of regional and varietal blending, precision winemaking, and generous use of American oak. It bridges the plush richness of Shiraz with the structure and backbone of Cabernet Sauvignon in a style that is bold, age-worthy and unmistakably Penfolds.

The wine is crafted from premium vineyards across South Australia, primarily in the Barossa Valley, with fruit also drawn from regions such as McLaren Vale, Coonawarra, Wrattonbully and Padthaway. This multi-regional approach allows Penfolds to balance climate, soil and ripeness each year, building a consistent style while still reflecting vintage character.

What elevates Bin 389 is its time in one-year-old American oak barrels that were previously used to mature Grange. This seasoning imparts subtle smoky, mocha and vanilla notes while allowing the wine’s ripe fruit to remain front and centre. The result is a wine that combines the generosity of Shiraz with the definition and drive of Cabernet — dense, complex and always built to age.

In the glass, it shows deep crimson hues and aromas of cassis, blackberry, dark chocolate, clove and cedar, layered with baking spices and a hint of eucalyptus. The palate is powerful yet balanced, with velvety tannins wrapped around flavours of black plum, cherry liqueur, tobacco and charred oak. The finish is long, savoury and persistent, with a firm acid structure that promises years of graceful evolution.

Bin 389 has become a collector’s favourite, known for its ability to age beautifully over 15 to 20 years, developing secondary notes of leather, earth, cured meat and spice. It offers incredible value given its pedigree and connection to Grange.

Serve it with slow-cooked beef ribs, roast lamb with garlic and rosemary, or a rich mushroom and black truffle risotto. Decant when young to open up the aromatics, or cellar for patience-rewarding complexity.