Known as the “Baby Grange,” Penfolds Bin 389 Cabernet Shiraz has been a cornerstone of Australian fine wine since its creation by Max Schubert in 1960. Combining the structure of Cabernet Sauvignon with the richness of Shiraz, Bin 389 exemplifies the Penfolds house style—seamless blending, balanced power, and exceptional ageing potential.
Vineyard
Sourced from premium vineyard sites across South Australia—including Barossa Valley, McLaren Vale, Coonawarra, and Padthaway—the 1999 vintage reflects the best of warm and cool climate fruit. The wine was matured for 14 months in American oak hogsheads, one-third of which were new, the remainder seasoned Grange barrels, lending complexity and subtle oak integration.
Vintage
The 1999 vintage followed a mild and relatively long growing season across South Australia, allowing for slow, even ripening. Conditions favoured Cabernet Sauvignon, which delivered outstanding fruit intensity and fine tannin structure. The resulting blend shows exceptional balance between Cabernet’s line and Shiraz’s plush fruit—one of the standout Bin 389s of the late 1990s.
Tasting Notes
The 1999 Penfolds Bin 389 Cabernet Shiraz displays a deep garnet colour with a brick-red rim. The bouquet reveals aromas of cassis, dark plum, tobacco leaf, and cedar, layered with mocha, earth, and sweet spice. The palate is medium to full-bodied, showing rich black fruit, licorice, and savoury oak supported by fine-grained tannins. The wine finishes long and balanced, now beautifully mature yet still vibrant. This vintage represents the hallmark harmony of Bin 389—power, poise, and polish in perfect measure.
Critics’ Acclaim
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95 points – Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate
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94 points – James Halliday Wine Companion
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93 points – Huon Hooke, The Real Review
Acclaimed for its elegance, balance, and longevity—an archetypal late-1990s Penfolds classic.
Technical Information
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Region: Multi-regional blend (Barossa Valley, McLaren Vale, Coonawarra, Padthaway)
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Variety: Cabernet Sauvignon & Shiraz
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Alcohol: 14%
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Maturation: 14 months in American oak hogsheads (approx. 33% new)
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Closure: Cork
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Drinking Window: 2008–2035+
A Collectible Gem
The 1999 Penfolds Bin 389 Cabernet Shiraz embodies the essence of Penfolds craftsmanship—rich, layered, and perfectly balanced. With over two decades of graceful evolution, it remains a benchmark vintage that bridges power and sophistication, earning its place among the greats of Australian wine heritage.
