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, by the legendary  Max Schubert, this was the wine that helped to forge Penfolds solid reputation with red wine drinkers. Combining the structure of Cabernet Sauvignon with the richness of Shiraz, Bin 389 also exemplifies the judicious balance of fruit and oak.

Grapes sourced from Padthaway, McLaren Vale and the Barossa Valley. 51% cabernet sauvignon, 49% shiraz. 12 months in American oak, 33% new. Such a solid, svelte release, as seamless and accessible as I’ve seen a new-release Bin 389 though with the tannin and overall stuffing to go long term. There’s as much plum as blackcurrant here, as much finesse as grunt, though perhaps its most distinguishing trait is the exceptional length though the finish. The palate is plush, the finish is drenched in both flavour and tannin, and yet everything here feels meticulous. Tasted: Jul 2022; Alcohol: 14.5%; Price: $100; Closure: Screwcap; Drink: 2025-2038+; Rated: 96 Points; Campbell Mattinson; The Wine Front

Deep crimson. Lovely blackberry, blackcurrant, dark plum aromas with roasted chestnut, chinotto, dark chocolate notes. Generously concentrated and beautifully integrated wine with plentiful blackberry, blackcurrant, fruits, fine slinky/ chocolaty, hint al dente/bitter-sweet tannins, superb mid-palate volume, some inky complexity, lovely mocha/ espresso oak notes and fresh long juicy acidity. Builds up claret firm with graphite minerally notes. Very impressive extract, density and torque. A reference Penfolds wine. McLaren Vale, Barossa Valley and Padthaway. 12 months maturation in American (33% new) and seasoned oak hogsheads Drink 2025-2038+; Alcohol: 14.5%; Rating: 97 Points; Andrew Caillard MW