Bin 389 combines the elegance of Cabernet Sauvignon with the richness of Shiraz and demonstrates the traditional Penfolds' trademark - balance between fruit and oak, in a wine with rich varietal characters and medium to long-term cellaring potential.
Regional Source: Barossa Valley, Bordertown, Padthaway, Coonawarra and McLaren Vale districts of South Australia.
Vintage Conditions: A cool summer - and delayed ripening - was followed by warm weather in late March and April. Winter rainfall had been excellent in most districts and good rains continued into September and past bud-burst.
Grape Variety: Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz (Syrah)
Maturation: 13 months in a combination of new (24 percent) & used American oak
Deep, dense ruby. Dark liqueur chocolate and berried notes with blackcurrant aromas coming through as the wine sits in the glass. Alluring smoky barrel ferment characters lifting above dark, ripe plum, stewed rhubarb and berried fruits. Firm, with a generous, sweet mid-palate and some chocolate and liquorice flavours combined with smoky oak. Rounded (but pronounced) tannins contribute to the wine's excellent balance and length. Phillip John
