Review: Penfolds – Bin 389 Cabernet Shiraz (2014)

The 2014 vintage of the "Baby Grange" has slightly more Cabernet compared to the 2013 vintage (53% vs 51%) and less Shiraz (47% vs 46%). As normal for the Bin 389, fruit is sourced from multiple South Australian regions (including Barossa Valley, McLaren Vale, Wrattonbully, and Coonawarra). It is aged for 12 months in American oak hogsheads (53% new, 27% 1 y.o., and 12% 2 y.o). This year the Bin 389 has increased its recommended retail price by AU$10 (to AU$90) dropping its value even more (in comparison the St. Henri is only AU$10 more at AU$100 per bottle).

The wine has a bright crimson purple colour along the edge that darkens to a deep purple in the centre. On the nose it's quite oaky and has flinty, pencil shavings notes. Similar to the 2013, the nose is subdued and doesn't grab you in to say "drink me", the fruit aroma is somewhat hidden behind the oak. On the palate it's rich and intense with generous tannins and acids. It ends with a slightly bitter, dark chocolate tone. It's a well made wine that sets a benchmark. I could drink it everyday... but not for $90.