Penfolds Bin 389 Cabernet-Shiraz 2004

document.getElementById("NoProductImage").innerHTML = ""; Jeremy Oliver 95 points!"A tightly focused- firm and sassy 389 of structure and sophistication. Deeply scented with alluring and lightly spicy aromas of crushed dark berries and cedary oak- this slightly meaty red blend reveals undertones of briar- white pepper- mint and a hint of game. Long and smooth- its intense and dark-fruited palate of cassis- mulberries- cherries and plums is underpinned by a chalky chassis of firm tannin. It slowly reveals nuances of dried herbs and underlying meatiness- read more...while its generous complement of vanilla oak shows some classy integration. It's a lot more contemporary than the traditional 389- but very impressive- all the same. Drink 2016-2024+."Jeremy Oliver- OnWine.James Halliday 94 points!"Built in the fashion of Bin 389's of yesteryear massive beams of fruit and oak to keep it going for decade black fruits (no red) earth and a touch of licorice tannins under control. Not a wine show style." James Halliday- Australian Wine Companion 2008 Wine Advocate 91 points!"The 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon (53%) - Shiraz (47%) "Bin 389"was aged for 14 months in large oak vats. It is opaque purple-colored with an attractive bouquet of smoked meats- Asian spices- black currants- blueberry- and licorice. Medium to full-bodied- it has gobs of spicy dark fruit flavors- a smooth texture- well-hidden tannins- and 3-5 years of aging potential. Drink this lengthy blend through 2020. Penfolds- arguably Australia's most famous winery- continues to perform at a high level under the leadership of Head Winemaker- Peter Gago." Wine Advocate #173 Oct 2007 Penfolds     Penfolds has been producing remarkable wines for almost 150 years and indisputably lead the development of Australian fine wine in the modern era. The introduction of Penfolds Grange Hermitage in 1951 forever changed the landscape of Australian fine wine- since then a series of standout wines - both red and white - have been released under the Penfolds masthead. PenfoldsBin 389Created by the legendary Max Schubert - creator of Penfolds Grange - Bin 389 is often referred to as 'Poor Man's Grange' or '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- this was the wine that helped to build Penfolds' solid reputation with red wine drinkers. Combining the structure of cabernet with the richness of shiraz- Bin 389 also exemplifies Penfolds' skill in balancing fruit and oak. A classic Australian style with a clear Penfolds identity. Penfolds    (hide)

October 2008

Velvety in texture, with refined tannins surrounding a plush core of currant, huckleberry and peppery spice flavors that linger effortlessly on the finish. Best from 2008 through 2016. 27,000 cases imported. -HS Wine Spectator. A Proprietary Blend wine from South Australia in Australia. 2004 Penfolds Cabernet / Shiraz Bin 389 750ml

February 2009

Created by the legendary Max Schubert - creator of Penfolds Grange - Bin 389 is often referred to as Poor Man's Grange orBaby Grange, in part because components of the wine are maturedin the same barrels that held the previous vintage of Grange.First made in 1960, this was the wine that helped to buildPenfolds' solid reputation with red wine drinkers. Combiningthe structure of Cabernet with the richness of Shiraz, Bin 389also exemplifies Penfolds' skill in balancing fruit and oak.A classic Australian style with a clear Penfolds identity. Color: Dense and dark, and, at the read more...time of tasting,still possessing a purple core. Nose: The nose hints at Grange character.The supportive oak sits beautifully, seamlesslyintegrated. Stewed plum flavors meshed withnotes of cinnamon, nutmeg and whole blackpeppercorns. Nuances ofgame terrine with pistachio shell. Palate: The palate is tight and full-bodied, persistent,long and forceful. The wine has impressivetexture, with pronounced, well-definedpowdery tannins and oak totally absorbed in awash of liquorice and berried fruits. The 2004Bin 389 is a true Baby Grange release. Food matches: beef, duck & game, lamb    (hide)

The best 389 since 1998, and very close to the 1990, 1991 and 1996

November 2007

James Halliday rating: 94

The color of this wine is rich deep dark purple and is opaque and is most certainly a tooth stainer. The nose gives off hints of chocolate and fresh berries, tea and is herbal and medicinal. On the palate, the front is pure fruit with a port like richness with sinewy tannins over a long smooth finish. Even with its high alcohol levels, there is no heat at all and it is balanced and fresh and very delicious. Do yourself a favor and the next visit to your local market, splurge and seek this one out. It is a cellar candidate for another 15+ years but is accessible and enjoyable today.

93 Points

December 2008