Penfolds Bin 389 Shiraz Cabernet 2020

Winemaking and Drinking

Penfolds Bin 389, often referred to as “Baby Grange,” is an iconic Australian wine that has a rich history dating back to 1960. Created by the legendary winemaker Max Schubert, the same visionary behind Penfolds Grange, Bin 389 is a blend of Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon, a combination that has come to define some of Australia’s most celebrated wines. The 2020 vintage continues this tradition, drawing fruit from some of South Australia's most prestigious vineyards, including the Barossa Valley, McLaren Vale, and Coonawarra.

Tasting Notes

The 2020 vintage of Penfolds Bin 389 Shiraz Cabernet is a masterclass in balance and complexity. The wine pours a deep, garnet color, hinting at its richness and depth. On the nose, it reveals an enticing bouquet of dark fruits, including blackcurrant, plum, and blackberry, intertwined with notes of mocha, spice, and cedar, a signature of its partial maturation in American oak barrels that were previously used for aging Grange.

On the palate, Bin 389 2020 is full-bodied and lush, with a core of ripe, juicy fruits. The Shiraz component delivers plush, velvety tannins and a burst of dark berries, while the Cabernet Sauvignon provides structure, fine-grained tannins, and a lingering finish. The wine's acidity is well-integrated, offering freshness and vibrancy, making it approachable in its youth but promising great aging potential.

Awards and Accolades

Penfolds Bin 389 Shiraz Cabernet 2020 has garnered significant acclaim from critics and wine enthusiasts alike. It has received high scores from several prestigious wine publications, including a 95-point rating from James Suckling, who praised its "depth and vibrancy" and its "refined and balanced" character. Wine Spectator also lauded the wine, awarding it 94 points and highlighting its "elegant structure and persistent finish." Additionally, Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate acknowledged the wine's quality with a 93-point rating, noting its "impressive complexity and aging potential."

Conclusion

Penfolds Bin 389 Shiraz Cabernet 2020 is a testament to the enduring legacy of Penfolds and its ability to craft wines that seamlessly blend tradition with modern winemaking techniques. This vintage continues to uphold the reputation of Bin 389 as a wine that delivers exceptional quality, complexity, and longevity, making it a must-have for collectors and wine lovers around the world.