Penfolds Bin 389 Cabernet Shiraz 2022

Penfolds Bin 389 Cabernet Shiraz 2022 is one of Australia’s benchmark reds, often affectionately known as “Baby Grange” for its shared lineage with the estate’s flagship wine. This vintage brings together the firm structure of Cabernet Sauvignon and the plush generosity of Shiraz in a seamlessly layered, cellar-worthy blend. Crafted to balance concentration with elegance, it’s a classic Penfolds wine that speaks clearly of South Australian terroir and meticulous barrel work.

Tasting Notes
In the glass, the 2022 Bin 389 shows a deep, saturated crimson core with a vibrant purple rim, signalling its youth and intensity. The nose opens with blackcurrant, ripe blackberry and mulberry, supported by notes of dark cherry, plum and hints of dried herbs. Underneath the fruit sit well-integrated layers of mocha, vanilla pod, cedar, pencil shavings and a touch of baking spice from seasoned oak. On the palate, Bin 389 is full-bodied yet poised, with Cabernet’s linear drive and Shiraz’s supple richness working in tandem. Juicy black fruits and cassis are framed by fine, chalky tannins and refreshing acidity, while flavours of cocoa, espresso, licorice, clove and toasted spice unfold with air. The oak is present but harmoniously woven, adding depth rather than dominance. While already approachable with a decant, the 2022 has clear aging potential; under good cellaring conditions it should evolve beautifully over 10–15 years, gaining complexity, secondary savoury notes and further polish to the tannins.

Production
Sourced primarily from top sites in South Australia, including Barossa Valley and surrounding premium districts, Bin 389 draws on warm, sun-drenched vineyards with well-drained soils that favour concentration and ripeness. Grapes are harvested parcel by parcel at optimal maturity, allowing Penfolds’ winemaking team to select the finest components for the final blend. After fermentation in stainless steel to preserve vibrant fruit character, the wine is matured in a proportion of American oak hogsheads, including barrels that previously held Penfolds Grange. This shared barrel regime lends a subtle Grange imprint—both in texture and flavour—while careful blending of Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz yields the hallmark Penfolds balance of intense fruit, structure and refined oak.

Food & Serving
Penfolds Bin 389 Cabernet Shiraz 2022 is a natural partner for richly flavoured, protein-driven dishes such as grilled ribeye, roast lamb with rosemary, braised short ribs or slow-cooked beef cheek. It also pairs beautifully with game meats, chargrilled vegetables, and hard or aged cheeses like Cheddar or Manchego. Serve at 16–18°C (60–64°F) to showcase its aromatic complexity and plush texture. For current drinking, decanting for 1–2 hours is recommended to allow the wine to open fully; mature bottles will benefit from a gentler, shorter decant to separate any sediment while preserving delicate tertiary nuances.

Producer
Founded in 1844, Penfolds is one of Australia’s most historic and influential wineries, long recognised as a driving force behind the country’s reputation for world-class red wines. From its South Australian base, including iconic regions such as Barossa Valley, the estate pioneered the art of multi-regional blending and meticulous barrel maturation. Created in 1960 by legendary winemaker Max Schubert, Bin 389 quickly became a cornerstone of the Penfolds portfolio, helping cement the house’s standing among serious collectors and critics. Today Penfolds continues to earn global acclaim for its consistent quality across tiers, with Bin 389 regarded as a reference-point Australian Cabernet–Shiraz and a classic introduction to the Penfolds style.