2024 Bin 389 Cabernet Shiraz
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The 2024 Bin 389 Cabernet Shiraz is sometimes (was?) referred to as "Baby Grange," partly because some components are matured in barrels previously used for the preceding vintage of Grange. First made in 1960 by Max Schubert, the wine combines Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz, bringing together Cabernet structure with Shiraz richness. The style is typically associated with a generous mid-palate—boosted or amplified by the élevage vessels of American oak—and a balance between fruit character and oak maturation. The 2024 vintage in South Australia has so far been sensationally exciting, and so I approach this iconic wine with positive anticipation. It's black and dark on the nose, with licorice and dark chocolate, crushed ant and black peppercorns. The palate is powerful, concentrated, impenetrable and long. It is gravelly and intense, as is key to the style. This is a very good rendition, though its best days are in front of it. It ages almost just as well as Grange, so 20 years seems very conservative. My vintage is 1986, and it continues to drink well today, in 2026. 14.5% alcohol, sealed under natural cork. This vintage comprises 53% Cabernet Sauvignon and 47% Shiraz from Coonawarra, Barossa Valley, McLaren Vale and Padthaway, matured for 13 months in American oak hogsheads (34% new).
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Average Score
James Suckling
Decanter World Wine Awards
More reviews and scores
A classical Australian blend of 53% cabernet sauvignon and 47% shiraz, giving notes of black and red currants, eucalyptus, ferrous earth, spice, dried herbs, olive and plum. The palate is full-bodied and austere with a nice touch of finesse, fine-tuned tannins, bright acidity and a salivating, tense finish. Drinking well now but will age nicely. Fruit sourced from Coonawarra, Barossa Valley, McLaren Vale and Padthaway. Drink or hold.
53% Cabernet Sauvignon, 47% Shiraz, from Coonawarra, Barossa Valley, McLaren Vale and Padthaway, matured for 13 months in American oak hogsheads, 34% new. Dark, brooding, meaty, echoes of Penfolds past: macerated dark iodine-flecked black fruit, some roasted meats, yet more black fruit. Dark cocoa tannins, hints of boozy prunes on the finish. Good, layered, drinking very well now. Early-maturing, but classically, unmistakably 389. Max Allen
This benchmark Cabernet-Shiraz blend is known as ‘Baby Grange’ since components of the wine are matured in the same barrels that held the previous vintage of Grange. First made in 1960, the blend is always Cabernet-dominant; this year 53% with the fruit for both varieties coming from Coonawarra, Barossa Valley, McLaren Vale and Padthaway. A generous mid-palate is framed by perfectly poised oak, its fine fruit flavours layered with dark chocolate, coconut and sweet spice, all propelled to a long finish by fresh acidity. A confident performance.
About the producer
Penfolds is Australia’s most famous wine producer, known best for their iconic top wine, Grange. First produced commercially in 1952, Grange has since gone on to become one of the world’s most famous fine wines. In 2001, the wine was listed as an Australian heritage icon.