Penfolds 'Bin 389' Cabernet Shiraz 2018

Bin 389 is famously known as 'Grange's little sibling', sharing the same winemaking philosophy and techniques as Australia's most iconic wine. Created in 1960 by Max Schubert to form part of a 'dynasty of wines', it undergoes partial barrel fermentation and extended oak maturation in the same American oak barrels previously used for Grange. This unique approach creates a wine with remarkable complexity and structure that sets it apart from conventional Cabernet Shiraz blends.

The 2018 Bin 389 has exceptional cellaring potential, with a drinking window extending to 2052 - that's over 30 years from vintage. This longevity comes from the wine's full-bodied structure, high-quality fruit selection, and Penfolds' meticulous winemaking approach. During cellaring, the blackberry and blackcurrant flavours will evolve into more complex tertiary notes, while the dark chocolate elements will integrate beautifully with the oak. You can enjoy it now for its vibrant fruit character or cellar it for decades to experience its full evolution.

The 2018 vintage has earned exceptional scores from Australia's most respected wine critics, including 98 points from Andrew Caillard MW and multiple 96-97 point ratings from leading publications. This recognition reflects the wine's perfect balance of power and elegance, showcasing the exceptional 2018 vintage conditions in South Australia. The consistent high scores across different critics demonstrate the wine's technical excellence and its ability to express both varietal character and regional terroir with remarkable precision.

This rich, full-bodied Cabernet Shiraz blend pairs magnificently with robust dishes that can match its intensity and complement its dark chocolate and blackcurrant flavours. Think slow-cooked lamb shanks, grilled ribeye steak, or aged hard cheeses like vintage cheddar. The wine's South Australian character and oak influence also make it excellent with barbecued meats and game dishes. The key is choosing foods with enough richness and flavour depth to harmonise with the wine's powerful structure without being overwhelmed.

The beauty of Bin 389 lies in its versatility - it's designed to be enjoyed both young and aged. Right now, the 2018 offers vibrant blackberry and blackcurrant fruit with approachable tannins and that distinctive dark chocolate character. However, given its cellaring potential to 2052, you could also lay some bottles down to experience how the wine develops greater complexity and tertiary flavours over time. Many collectors enjoy comparing the same vintage at different stages of its evolution to appreciate the wine's remarkable transformation.