Penfolds Bin 389 Cabernet Shiraz 2018

Bin 389 was 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 forge Penfolds reputation with red wine drinkers by combining the structure of cabernet sauvignon with the richness of shiraz. Bin 389 also exemplifies the judicious balance of fruit and oak.

57% Cabernet Sauvignon, 43% Shiraz from the regions of Wrattonbully, McLaren Vale, Barossa Valley, Coonawarra, Robe, Padthaway. Maturation: 12 months in American oak hogsheads (38% new).

Relatively dry conditions coupled with near long-term winter/spring temperatures indicated an early start to the growing season. However, a spell of cold weather in November slowed grapevine development. Warm and sunny weather prevailed throughout spring providing optimal conditions for flowering and fruit-set. Barossa Valley experienced 22 days of temperature greater than 35°C in summer, while McLaren Vale experienced 17 days greater than 35°C. Coonawarra, Robe and Wrattonbully also had a warm, dry growing season by regional standards. Late flowering and the delayed onset of veraison throughout the south-east slowed harvest by a few weeks. The warm, dry weather carried into autumn, setting up an Indian summer with favourable conditions for ripening grapes. A fine vintage for all Penfolds South Australian growing regions.