Often called “Baby Grange,” Penfolds Bin 389 is one of Australia’s most iconic blends, combining the structure of Cabernet Sauvignon with the richness of Shiraz. The 2023 Horse Year Edition shows impressive depth and polish, with aromas of blackcurrant, blackberry, cocoa, cedar and subtle spice. Full-bodied and beautifully balanced, it offers silky tannins, vibrant acidity and layers of dark fruit, mocha and savoury notes from 12 months in American oak. Powerful yet refined, this collectible Lunar New Year release is drinking well now and will continue to evolve gracefully for decades.

Decanter | D 96
Published: Jun 24, 2025
Drink: 2025-2050

Referred to as ‘Baby Grange’ as components of the wine are always matured in the same American oak hogsheads that held the previous vintage of Grange, Bin 389 (first made in 1960) is always a Cabernet-dominant Cab-Shiraz – the great Australian blend. This year it just makes it, with 51%, the fruit for both varieties coming from McLaren Vale (45%), Padthaway and Barossa Valley. The 12 months in oak (33% new) adds a creamy coconut sheen to the generous mouthful of summer pudding berries, fleshy blue plums and more savoury tones of fennel salami, mocha and cigar box spice. Fine tannins, bright acidity and a firm structure deliver power and polish, already approachable but with a long life, and more complexity, ahead. A standout this vintage.
Closure: Cork
Alcohol: 14.50%
Body: Full
Oak: Oaked
Grapes: 51% Cabernet Sauvignon 49% Shiraz

James Suckling | JS 96
Published: Jul 16, 2025

This wine has been made every vintage since 1960. Refined, generous and polished aromas of blackberries, blackcurrants, cured meat, crushed stones and iodine. The palate is full-bodied with a rounded, textural palate and ultra-refined tannins that lead to a silky, savory, black-fruited finish. 51% cabernet sauvignon and 49% shiraz. Excellent. Drink or hold.

The Wine Advocate | RP 95
Published: Jul 24, 2025
Drink: 2025-2043

The 2023 Bin 389 Cabernet Shiraz is inky, complete, powerful and structured, with black berries, sweet licorice, star anise and fennel. There are also notes of roasted meat juices and cedar wood. The expression of this wine is very attractive—the prism of the cooler season works well in this wine. The fruit is sourced from McLaren Vale, Padthaway and Barossa Valley, matured for 12 months in American oak hogsheads, 33% new.

Jancis Robinson | JR 17.5
Published: Jun 23, 2025
Drink: 2027-2044

Full bottle 1,439 g. 51% Cabernet Sauvignon (the lowest; sometimes up to 85%), 49% Shiraz, from 45% McLaren Vale, remainder Padthaway and the Barossa Valley. Matured for 12 months in American oak hogsheads (33% new). TA 6.4 g/l, pH 3.60. Penfolds expect this to drink until 2050. ‘We don’t mess with this, our bread and butter.’
Very bright dark purplish crimson. Very nicely composed on the nose. Sweet start and very polished, smooth texture with the tannins and savour just sneaking up on you at the end. Dry end. Clever.

Penfolds.com

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. Exemplifying the judicious balance of fruit and oak, Bin 389 highlights the generous mid-palate Penfolds is known for.

Colour: Glossy, dark red/purple

Nose: An "old school" Penfolds nose; a classic and comforting homage to our storied past. It opens with the rich, deep tones of mahogany and the refined scent of a cigar box. Sweet oak spices are neatly interlaced with a dusty character. This foundation is lifted by summer berries, offering a balance between richness and vitality. Baking spice is present alongside tart red currant and cranberry, while the aroma of fresh pastries rounds out the note.

Palate: The palate is immediately enveloped by cocoa powder-like tannins — smooth yet profound in their impact. The wine boasts volumes of Cabernet character, showcasing cool fruits that are well lifted and vibrant. A barrel ferment nuance adds depth without overshadowing the fruit's purity. Sourdough notes bring a rustic edge which complement the lush profiles of plum fruits, blackberry, mulberry, wild cherries and more distinctly tart morello cherries.