Reviews & Ratings

2004 Penfolds Australian (Red Blend) "Bin 389"

Winery: Penfolds

Vintage: 2004

Wine Name/Vineyard: "Bin 389"

Wine Category: Australian (Red Blend)

Grape blend: 53% Cabernet Sauvignon & 47% Shiraz

Bottle size: 750 ml

Region: South Australia

State or country: Australia

Price: $28

Cases produced: 27,000

KWG Score: 92 (based on 6 reviews)

Ken's Wine Rating: Very Good+ (93.99-90)

Review date: November 16, 2007

Wine Review: This wine has been consistently a favorite of mine over the years. When I saw it on the Flemings "100 Wines" list, I thought I would give it try. This almost black wine opens with a very very inviting blackberry and blueberry like bouquet. On the palate, this medium bodied wine is well balanced, smooth, dry, and displays delicious dusty blackberry like flavors. The finish is dry, has fine tannins that slowly fade away. This wine paired perfectly with my filet mignon sandwich. Enjoy – Ken

Winemaker Notes: Dense and dark, and, at the time of tasting, still possessing a purple core. The nose hints at Grange character, necessitating a re-look at the label/bottle! The supportive oak sits beautifully, seamlessly integrated. Stewed plum flavours meshed with notes of cinnamon, nutmeg and whole black peppercorns (not ground). Would nuances of game terrine with pistachio shell be taking it a bit far? Surely not! The palate is tight and full-bodied, persistent, long and forceful. The wine has impressive texture, with pronounced, well-defined powdery tannins and oak totally absorbed in a wash of liquorice and berried fruits. The 2004 Bin 389 is a true ‘Baby Grange’ release, as per the original style blue-print. Watch out 1996 and 1998, the 2004 approaches, accelerating in the overtaking lane!

Buy it: Use 1000 Corks to find stores that sell .