Penfold 389 Cabernet Shiraz 2019
🧬 The Blend & Grape Varieties
A masterful blend, known for its perfect balance of structure and richness.
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Blend: 53% Cabernet Sauvignon, 47% Shiraz
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Variety: Red Wine
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Oak Maturation: Matured for 12 months in American oak hogsheads (300 litres), with 25% new oak. It is often matured in the same barrels that held the previous vintage of Grange.
🌏 The Territory
The grapes are sourced from a selection of South Australia’s most prestigious wine regions, blending the best of each.
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Country: Australia
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Region: Multi-regional blend from South Australia
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Specific Sub-Regions: Padthaway, McLaren Vale, Coonawarra, Wrattonbully, and the Barossa Valley
🍷 Winery & Producer
You can leverage the prestige of one of Australia’s most famous wineries.
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Winery: Penfolds
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History: Established in 1844 by Dr. Christopher Rawson Penfold and his wife Mary
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Reputation: Penfolds is Australia’s most famous wine producer, known best for its iconic top wine, Grange. In 2001, Grange was listed as an Australian heritage icon. The winery was also named “New World Winery of the Year” by Wine Enthusiast in 2013.
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Winemaker (Historical): This legendary wine was first made in 1960 by Max Schubert. The current chief winemaker is Peter Gago.
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Nickname: The wine is affectionately nicknamed “Baby Grange” or “Poor Man’s Grange” for its similar quality at a more accessible price point.
👃 Aroma (The Nose)
Use these descriptions to paint a picture for your customer.
The nose is intensely aromatic and complex. Expect “blackcurrant, blueberry, and plum” alongside “cola, grated chocolate and cappuccino dust”. You’ll also find “savory hints of cured meats and tapenade”, complemented by “cedar, vanilla, and a dusting of cocoa powder” from the American oak.
👅 Tasting Notes (The Palate)
These details will help customers understand the wine’s structure and flavor profile.
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Flavor Profile: The palate is full-bodied with a “dense core of ripe dark fruits—blackberry, mulberry, and dark cherry”. Expect “dark chocolate and mocha”, along with “eucalyptus and sage”, which are classic Penfolds hallmarks.
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Structure: The “cabernet component gives it linearity and fine tannins, while the shiraz rounds it out with spice, chocolate, and rich fruit weight”.
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Finish: The finish is long, firm, and gently chewy with repeating florality and slow-building tannins.
🥇 Expert Awards & Critical Recognition
This is the sales ammunition you need. This vintage has earned outstanding scores and accolades from the world’s top critics.
| Publication / Critic | Score / Award | Notes / Drinking Window |
|---|---|---|
| James Halliday | 96 Points & GOLD | Wine Companion Rating |
| Andrew Caillard MW | 96 Points & 98 Points | “Muscular in attack but has the density and richness to carry the tannins.” |
| Bob Campbell MW | 97 Points | |
| David Sly, Decanter | 97 Points & 95 Points | “A magnificent full nose leads to a lively dance of red plums over blue and black fruits.” |
| Erin Larkin | 96 Points | “This is a cracker.… but this is also brilliant.” |
| James Suckling | 94 Points | “Curated to a brazen style with strong tannins.” |
| Josh Raynolds (Vinous Media) | 94 Points | “Expressive, smoke- and spice-accented cherry…” |
| Jancis Robinson MW | 17/20 Points | “This is one for the cellar. Do not attempt to open this for quite a while!” |
| Joe Czerwinski (Wine Advocate) | 92+ Points | “Some cool, mentholated notes lead the way” |
| Peter Moser (Falstaff) | 95 Points | “A very complex and inviting bouquet.” |
ℹ️ Technical Details
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Vintage | 2019 |
| Alcohol | 14.5% |
| Closure | Screw cap (Cork also used for some editions) |
| Peak Drinking Window | Now – 2049 (Drink 2024-2035 for earlier enjoyment) |
| Food Pairing | Pairs perfectly with lamb and other red meats. |
| Serving Temperature | 16-18°C (60-64°F) |
Summary for your description: The Penfolds Bin 389 2019 is a brilliant vintage of the legendary “Baby Grange.” This full-bodied red is a powerful yet seamless blend of 53% Cabernet Sauvignon and 47% Shiraz, sourced from South Australia’s finest regions. With its dense core of dark fruits, fine-grained tannins, and a finish that lasts, it’s a gold medal winner and a wine that will reward cellaring for decades.
