2013 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 51% Cabernet Sauvignon and 49% Shiraz the wine was matured for 12 months in American oak hogsheads of which 28% was new, 60% one year old and 12% two year old. Outstanding colour displaying an impenetrable inky black core with a deep dark purple black hue. Intense aromas of ripe blackcurrant intermixed with liquorice and blackberry are followed by some choc mint, vanillin cedar and spice. Full bodied the palate has an abundance of rich fruit and possesses excellent definition and structure. Mouthfilling flavours of blackcurrant, liquorice and ripe black cherries with an undercurrent of dusty vanillin cedar characters and spice. Dry finish with firmly built, chewy, yet ripe tannins providing the perfect framework. Long aftertaste.
Alc. 14.5%

Other Reviews......
51/49% from the Barossa Valley, McLaren Vale, Padthaway, Wrattonbully and Coonawarra that spent 12 months in American hogsheads (88% new and 1yo, 12% 2yo). The 'don't mess with me' message is immediate, the bouquet a shower of dark, savoury, earthy aromas, the palate trenchantly full-bodied - yet balanced and utterly persuasive. It needs 5 years to settle down and be friendly, but will handsomely repay patience. Drink by 2043.
95 points
James Halliday - Australian Wine Companion