Known as ‘baby Grange’ as it as partially matured in used American oak casks that previously held Grange, Bin 389 has been a permanent fixture in the Penfolds line-up. Always a typically Australian blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz, Bin 389 is very much in the Penfolds house style.
The 1996 Bin 389 is still just a baby, maintaining the deep purple colour of youth, a touch of earthiness on the nose ever so slightly betraying that this wine is now 15 years old. The tannins have softened somewhat, but we’re yet to see any genuine secondary complexity emerge. This Bin 389 needs at least another 3 years, perhaps 5. The rewards of patience indeed!
1996 BIN 389 CABERNET SHIRAZ
Producer: Penfold’s
Variety: Shiraz/Cabernet Sauvignon
Vintage: 1996
Region: Various regions, South Australia
Price: N/a
ABV: 13.5%
Closure: Natural cork
Format: 750ml
Date tasted: 7 October 2011
Tasting Note:
Mint and eucalypt on the nose, cassis and blackberry, earthy notes suggesting evolution. Dry and medium bodied, this is not a heavyweight. Very much of the Penfold’s house style, rich black fruit married with spicy oak, touch of liquorice. At this point in its evolution, the wine delivers just moderate complexity and, to be frank, is a touch boring. Perhaps a few more years in the cellar will see that much needed complexity emerge?
Score: 15.5+/20
The 1996 Bin 389 is still just a baby, maintaining the deep purple colour of youth, a touch of earthiness on the nose ever so slightly betraying that this wine is now 15 years old. The tannins have softened somewhat, but we’re yet to see any genuine secondary complexity emerge. This Bin 389 needs at least another 3 years, perhaps 5. The rewards of patience indeed!
1996 BIN 389 CABERNET SHIRAZProducer: Penfold’s
Variety: Shiraz/Cabernet Sauvignon
Vintage: 1996
Region: Various regions, South Australia
Price: N/a
ABV: 13.5%
Closure: Natural cork
Format: 750ml
Date tasted: 7 October 2011
Tasting Note:
Mint and eucalypt on the nose, cassis and blackberry, earthy notes suggesting evolution. Dry and medium bodied, this is not a heavyweight. Very much of the Penfold’s house style, rich black fruit married with spicy oak, touch of liquorice. At this point in its evolution, the wine delivers just moderate complexity and, to be frank, is a touch boring. Perhaps a few more years in the cellar will see that much needed complexity emerge?
Score: 15.5+/20
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