2015 Penfolds Bin 389 Cabernet Shiraz

Bin 389 is often referred to as ‘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.
A blend of 53% Cabernet Sauvignon and 47% Shiraz the wine was matured for 12 months in American oak hogsheads of which 32% was new, 37% one year old and 31% two year old.
Excellent colour featuring an inky black core that’s totally opaque with a very deep dark purple black hue. Potent aromatics of ripe blackberries, blackcurrant, liquorice and hints of bay leaf drift out of the glass with underlying vanillin cedar and spice. Exceptionally rich and concentrated for Bin 389 as well as boasting magnificent power the palate is flooded with opulent blackcurrant, liquorice and blackberry flavours. Underpinning this wealth of fruit is well integrated cedary tobacco characters, traces of bay leaf and spice. Lurking below is a sturdy tannin structure that will provide the wine with a great framework for longer term cellaring. Slightly gripping finish with a very long aftertaste of ripe blackcurrant, liquorice, blackberries, bay leaf and spicy vanillin cedar.
Cellar 8-10 years plus.
Alc. 14.5%

Other Reviews….
Matured for 12 months in American hogsheads (32% new). Unapologetically made with the don't fix if it isn't broken aphorism. It is tightly structured, with faultless attention to detail - wheels within wheels stuff, but inexorable in sending its black fruits (blackberry, blackcurrant) flavour message. Despite its full body, and its far-reaching longevity, it's tailor-made for the saltbush lamb shoulder of tonight's dinner. Drink by 2045.
97 points
James Halliday – Australian Wine Companion