Penfolds : Bin 389 Cabernet Shiraz by Nigo 2022

The 2022 Bin 389 Cabernet Shiraz is a dense beast of a wine, and the many lovers of the style will will experience paroxysms of pleasure, in that this delivers the muscle, density and concentration of yore. It is powerfully tannic, abundantly fruitful and long through the finish. What more can be said of a wine like this other than that it is a firm style, made consistently year in and year out. Aniseed, nutmeg, cinnamon and malt populate the register of spices from the charry oak. This is a big, big wine. It is composed of 51% Cabernet Sauvignon and the balance Shiraz, sourced from a blend of McLaren Vale, Coonawarra, Barossa Valley, Padthaway and Wrattonbully. 14.5% alcohol, sealed under screw cap.

Generous and impressive for its seamlessness, this is like a slice of Black Forest cake, offering chocolate and cherry flavors that are practically creamy and plush. Dutched cocoa powder, dried herb and cigar box nuances amplify this red on the long finish, with velvety tannins alongside hints of fresh loam and clove. Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz. Drink now through 2036. 8,565 cases imported.

The happy marriage of Cabernet Sauvignon (51%) with Shiraz (49%) rarely looks as cosy or integrated as in this stellar example. A generous mid-palate shows off long, fine fruit flavours from the slow-ripening 2022 vintage, with ruddy Shiraz ripeness in step with the more tannic bite of Cabernet Sauvignon’s blackberry and mulberry, adding a moreish savoury note. With 36% new American oak hogsheads used for 12 months’ maturation, there’s just enough oak-influenced spice to provide adequate seasoning to the deep, pure flavours.

A crunchy and delicious blend with currant, blackberry and cedar aromas and flavors. Hints of bitter lemon, graphite and tar at the end. Drink or hold. Screw cap.

This is a delightful 2022 Bin 389, a blend of 51% Cabernet and 49% Shiraz fruit from McLaren Vale, Coonawarra, Barossa Valley, Padthaway and Wrattonbully. The 2022 is a benchmark vintage—effortless, with effusive aromas of cassis, licorice and blackberry, topped by a nice touch of graphite. Classically styled, with a firm base of tannins and vibrant flavors that nicely balance the finish that just goes on and on. A little shy right now, but everything is in its perfect place for a long and distinguished future.

The 2022 Bin 389 Cabernet Shiraz is 51% Cabernet Sauvignon and 49% Shiraz. Deep garnet-purple in color, it needs a little coaxing to bring out evocative scents of red currant jelly, fresh blackberries and juicy plums, plus hints of cedar, fertile loam, and cinnamon stick. The medium- to full-bodied palate delivers a firm frame of grainy tannins and a lively line to support the muscular red and blue fruits, finishing on a savory note. It was aged for 12 months in American oak hogsheads, 36% new. According to chief winemaker Peter Gago, 2021 and 2022 in South Australia were as good as it gets for grape-growing. 2022 was relatively cool—cooler than 2021. There were no temperature peaks above 35 degrees Celsius in 2022.