Bin 389 CabernetS/Shiraz 19 2018 0.75L

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. Bottle Size: 0.75L Region: Wrattonbully, McLaren Vale, Barossa Valley, Coonawarra, Robe, Padthaway ABV: 14.5% Vintage: 2018 Rating: 96pts by Andrew Caillard MW Grape Varietal: 53% Cabernet Sauvignon, 47% Shiraz Tasting Notes: The very first impression? Instantly Penfolds. Some barrel-ferment nuances perhaps? A formic lift, V. A. , regressive oak? Maybe all listed are guilty partners! Higher notes reveal custard tart and brûlée, courting meaty pan-scrapings/juices. Yet beneath, a darker edge-black pudding, sweetbread, asphalt. Moreover, not just an "offal" offering-an aromatic veil of satsuma plum, fig and quince paste aromatics liberally sprinkled above. Enticing, inviting. A taste continuum of assorted flavours and textures. A spoil of fruits meshed with a grain-like paste-chaff/oats/barley/wheat germ…. At once chewy and succulent, heightened by a mouth-watering acidity and overt 2015 "elongated" tannins. Oak barely perceivable. An interesting "package" whereupon nothing stands out! A "balanced completeness"!