Penfolds Bin 389 Cabernet Shiraz 2018

Jeni Port – 94 Points.
2020 commemorates the 60^th anniversary since Bin 389 was first made.
The colour is deep, penetrating crimson. The bouquet has blackberry, black cherry, dried herbs, chocolate and toasted coconut plus a touch of Coonawarra mint. It is a most generous 389, big mouthful of flavour with Cabernet contributing black fruits, a deep earthiness, dried herbs.  Shiraz brings the red fruits and spice. Fully formed as always but oak appears to be over-stating its presence with coconut, vanilla strains throughout. Not quite up to the better examples of 389 which can be beautifully and fully formed from the get go. Quiet, unassuming tannins. More muscular than previous releases.

Ken Gargett – 96 Points

Tony Love – 96 Points

Melissa Moore – 96 Points
Deep and broody in the glass. Nose of ruby plum pudding and cherry ripe layered with coconut and vanilla oak. On the palate the feminine and herbal leafy cabernet notes dominate, then layered cherry compote and dark chocolate combine into a generous mouthfilling slurp. Very pretty.

Angus Hughson – 93 Points
A surprisingly elegant and understated vintage of 389. Right now it is even pretty with leafy cassis and spicy fruit. It is then dry and relatively supple – with juicy acidity matched with plump ripe fruits. The finish is lifted by peaty, meaty complexity over a long and fine finish. An early drinking 389 for sure. Drink 2024 – 2032