Penfolds Bin 389 Cabernet Shiraz 2024

Expert reviews

"Deep crimson. Intense blackcurrant, dark chocolate aromas with attractive roasted chestnut, marzipan notes. A classic Bin 389 with abundant cassis, blackberry fruits, lovely chocolaty textures and well-balanced roasted chestnut, vanilla, marzipan notes. Finishes firm, bittersweet and long. Very good density, complexity and flow. The star of the show. 13 months is 34% new and seasoned American oak hogsheads. 53% cabernet sauvignon 47% shiraz. Coonawarra, Barossa Valley, McLaren Vale, Padthaway. Drink now – 2050."  Andrew Caillard MW - 98 points

"A blend of 53% Cabernet Sauvignon and 47% Shiraz, showcasing the crème de la crème of South Australia, with fruit sourced from vineyards across Coonawarra, Barossa Valley, McLaren Vale and Padthaway. It’s quite a restrained little number. The Cabernet hasn’t yet come to show itself here, but there’s no rush. The gamut of dark fruit is tucked underneath savoury and umami elements, Mediterranean herbs and fading violets. There is plenty of purpose, future and drive, with the big structure still dominating the narrative. In fact, it’s quite tight through the mid-palate. It needs time, no doubt about that. But, oh boy, how well it will do. Drink: 2027-2050."  Lisa Cardelli, Wine Pilot – 98 points

"And here we have another conundrum of a wine.  And it’s a puzzle that has no solution in the box or online!  And yet, trying and failing to compute its myriads of flavours is extraordinarily enjoyable and a little frustrating, like the very best brainteasers.  One thing is certain – this is a highly complex and somewhat unpredictable wine that might confound lovers of this Bin, but also recruit new tasters to the fold, because it shows incredible complexity and corridors of flavour and spice, not surprisingly because it comes from such a complex tapestry of components.  Unlike previous vintages which seamlessly meld together, it appears that 2024 Bin 389 wilfully wants to show its striations, cracks, confluences and wounds, and I love it."  Matthew Jukes - 19+/20 points 

"Deep, dense purple-red colour, glass-staining. Smoky, toasty oak and spicy/earthy/ironstone shiraz character steams through on the nose. The wine is very full-bodied, deep and densely packed with flavour, The tannins are ample and fill the entire surface of the mouth, bringing a sense of harmony. This is a seriously smart 389: the flavour is profound and very persistent, the intensity is impactful but effortlessly delivered. Drink: 2029–2044."  Huon Hooke, The Real Review - 97 points

"The wine that very much epitomises the concept of blending. 53% Cabernet Sauvignon and 47% Shiraz, the fruit has been sourced from Coonawarra, Barossa Valley, McLaren Vale and Padthaway. The oak used for maturation is a mix of new and older, all American oak hogsheads (34% new), for a period of 13 months. This is an exceptional 389. Black/maroon in colour with an opaque blood red rim, this is dense yet focused, intense and yet impeccably balanced. The nose offers aromas of charcuterie, bay leaves, cigar boxes, cassis, black fruits, chocolate, aniseed, dried herbs and tapenade. Exhibiting good early complexity, this is taut, polished and focused. There are hints of vanillin oak, but they are just lurking in the background, and the wine is beautifully integrated. A complete wine. There is a creamy texture, great length and silky tannins with the intensity maintained throughout. Wonderful stuff. For enjoying over the next twenty-five to thirty years. Every chance it will step up even further over that period. Drink: 2026 – 2056."  Ken Gargett, Wine Pilot - 97 points

"The great Australian red blend is often as assured in youth as it is with age, and nowhere is this better viewed than with 389. Inviting from the first sniff, composed and complete. In 2024 the two grape varieties sit almost as equals – cabernet sauvignon (53%) and shiraz (47%) with sourcing led by Coonawarra, Barossa Valley, McLaren Vale and Padthaway. Oak remains, as it tends to be, American oak hogsheads (34% new). So far this is classic 389 in the making. In the glass it remains thus, old school, warm and inviting with no sharp notes, no angles, just a lovely roundness of generosity. A core of ripe, lush sweet berries grounds the wine and with it comes tiers of vanillin toast, coffee ground, dark chocolate, liquorice, hints of crushed herbs. And oak, let’s spend a moment on the oak – 13 months American oak hogsheads (34% new) – because too often American oak and its brash boldness can be viewed as a negative, but with 389 the art of the blender upholds its place which is as a condiment, an uplifting contribution, that never leads but acts as background support. Indeed, the oak tannins are mighty smart and fine, too. Another 389 classic beauty. Drink: 2026 – 2050."  Jeni Port, Wine Pilot – 97 points

"This year's release of the much-loved Bin 389 sees a blend of 53/47% cabernet sauvignon/shiraz sourced across four regions and matured for 13 months in American oak hogsheads, 34% new. It's quite a tautly framed, 'classic' 389 release – fruit-pure, assured as always, and one that will have a long cellaring life. Dark and black berry fruits are suffused with sweet baking spices, roasting meats, licorice, dark chocolate, earth, violet, kirsch, blueberry pie, dried tobacco and barrel spice. The palate is layered, fruit pure and precise, with a medium tannin heft and an impressive length of flavour on the back end. This is one for those with patience. A classic. Drink by 2050."  Dave Brookes, Halliday Wine Companion - 96 points

"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."  Ryan Montgomery, JamesSuckling.com - 96 points

"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. Drink 2029-2049."  Erin Larkin, Wine Advocate - 95+ points

"Often referred to as 'Baby Grange', Bin 389 remains one of Australia’s defining Cabernet Shiraz blends, marrying Cabernet’s structure with Shiraz’s generosity in a style that has become synonymous with Penfolds. Blackcurrant, blackberry and plum lead before cedar, mocha, black olive, liquorice and dark spice broaden the profile. The palate is generous yet balanced, layering cassis, blackberry, plum, cocoa and savoury spice over long, ripe tannins. Fresh acidity prevents the richness from becoming heavy, carrying the wine through an impressively persistent finish. Another complete and compelling release."  Tom Kline, Wine Pilot – 95 points

The story of bin 389

Penfolds Bin 389 Cabernet Shiraz, often known as 'Baby Grange', is named after its original binning compartment at Magill cellars. First produced in 1960, its history is connected with the development of Grange and Max Schubert's ambition to create what he called 'a dynasty of wines' for Penfolds. 

Early Bin 389 vintages were made with fruit from around the Adelaide foothills, including Auldana and Magill. According to retired Penfolds Senior Winemaker John Bird, a small portion of Morphett Vale fruit, parcels not used for Grange and sometimes McLaren Vale fruit were also included in the blend during the 1960s. After Penfolds vineyards around Adelaide were extensively pulled out to make way for urban development during the mid-1970s, Barossa Valley, particularly the Kalimna Vineyard,
became a dominant source of fruit.

Since the mid-1990s Bin 389 has drawn fruit from around South Australia, including Barossa Valley, Coonawarra, Padthaway, McLaren Vale, Langhorne Creek, Wrattonbully, Clare Valley and Robe. Exacting specifications of ripeness, classic Penfolds winemaking and strict classification of wines after maturation have ensured the style has remained consistent since the beginning.

Bin 389 epitomises Penfolds winemaking philosophy and the benefits of cross-varietal and multi-regional blending. Max Schubert always favoured warmer-climate fruit as a source for the wine. By marrying the perfume and chocolaty tannins of ripe cabernet sauvignon with opulent and fleshy shiraz he could achieve extra aromatic complexity, volume and palate richness. The style has been refined over the last 60 years through meticulous fruit selection, the introduction of new technology and winemaking refinements. During the 1960s, use of refrigeration and stainless steel enabled winemakers to preserve freshness; new membrane presses during the 1970s allowed gentler extraction of flavours and tannins.

Vineyard management practices and a rigorous fruit-grading system have also contributed to higher quality fruit. Nonetheless, the overall winemaking practices have not changed: the classical heading down in open fermenters, partial barrel fermentation and maturation in new and seasoned American oak (much used previously for Penfolds Grange and Bin 707 Cabernet Sauvignon) remain key Penfolds techniques. 

Bin 389 Cabernet Shiraz remains one of Australia's most popular collectible red wines because of its consistency and long-term cellaring potential. 

After the success of early sherries and fortified wines, founders Dr Christopher and Mary Penfold planted the vine cuttings they had carried on their voyage over to Australia. In 1844 the fledging vineyard was officially established as the Penfolds wine company at Magill Estate.

As the company grew, so too did Dr Penfold's medical reputation, leaving much of the running of the winery to Mary Penfold. Early forays into Clarets and Rieslings proved increasingly popular, and on Christopher's death in 1870, Mary assumed total responsibility for the winery. Mary's reign at the helm of Penfolds saw years of determination and endeavour.

By the time Mary Penfold retired in 1884 (ceding management to her daughter, Georgina) Penfolds was producing 1/3 of all South Australia's wine. She'd set an agenda that continues today, experimenting with new methods in wine production. By Mary's death in 1896, the Penfolds legacy was well on its way to fruition. By 1907, Penfolds had become South Australia's largest winery.

In 1948, history was made again as Max Schubert became the company's first Chief Winemaker. A loyal company man and true innovator, Schubert would propel Penfolds onto the global stage with his experimentation of long-lasting wines - the creation of Penfolds Grange in the 1950s.

In 1959 (while Schubert was perfecting his Grange experiment in secret), the tradition of ‘bin wines' began. The first, a Shiraz wine with the grapes of the company's own Barossa Valley vineyards was simply named after the storage area of the cellars where it is aged. And so Kalimna Bin 28 becomes the first official Penfolds Bin number wine.

In 1960, the Penfolds board instructed Max Schubert to officially re-start production on Grange. His determination and the quality of the aged wine had won them over.

Soon, the medals began flowing and Grange quickly became one of the most revered wines around the world. In 1988 Schubert was named Decanter Magazine's Man of the Year, and on the 50th anniversary of its birth, Penfolds Grange was given a heritage listing in South Australia.

Despite great success, Penfolds never rests on its laurels. In 2012 Penfolds released its most innovative project to date - 12 handcrafted ampoules of the rare 2004 Kalimna Block Cabernet Sauvignon.

Two years later, Penfolds celebrated the 170th anniversary – having just picked up a perfect score of 100 for the 2008 Grange in two of the world's most influential wine magazines. Today, Penfolds continues to hold dear the philosophies and legends – '1844 to evermore!'.