Viniou Reviews
Penfolds Bin 389 Cabernet Shiraz 2019 is an iconic Australian blend, often affectionately called 'Baby Grange', as it sees maturation in the residual barrels of Penfolds Grange. This rich wine cleverly marries the structure and cassis-driven depth of Cabernet Sauvignon with the opulent, spicy plush fruit of Shiraz. The 2019 vintage benefited from a warm, dry growing season with cool nights, allowing the fruit to retain vibrancy and complexity. The wine is aged in American oak, creating subtle notes of vanilla, toast, and dark chocolate, which knit seamlessly with aromas of blackberry, blackcurrant, and a dusting of liquorice and spice. On the palate, Bin 389 is both powerful and elegant, displaying fine-grained tannins and a persistent, generous finish.
South Australia has long been the beating heart of the country's wine production, known for its diversity of terroirs spanning from the Barossa Valley to Coonawarra and McLaren Vale. The region enjoys a Mediterranean climate with ample sunshine and cool breezes, which help local winemakers achieve ripeness and vibrancy in their fruit. Soils can range from ancient red clay and limestone to volcanic loam, each imparting distinctive nuances to the wines. Producers such as Penfolds have been instrumental in putting Australian wines on the world stage since the 19th century, blending tradition with innovation to create internationally revered cuvées.
For food pairings, Penfolds Bin 389’s robust structure and spicy complexity shine alongside hearty dishes. Think grilled lamb racks with rosemary and garlic, slow-braised beef cheeks, or roast duck with a plum reduction. The savoury richness of the wine makes it a natural complement to classic Australian fare, but it works equally well with British shepherd’s pie, mature cheddar, or a mushroom Wellington.
Serve this wine at a temperature between 16-18°C. Decanting for at least one hour is recommended to allow the expressive bouquet and layered palate to unfurl. Bin 389 from 2019 offers pleasure now but also promises evolution with additional cellaring over the next 10 to 15 years.
