96 Points James Halliday — Penfolds' Baby Grange at Its Most Impeccable

My Wine Man on Penfolds Bin 389

Penfolds Bin 389 is one of Australia's most beloved and consistently outstanding red wines — affectionately known as "Baby Grange" for its use of the same American oak barrels that previously held Grange, imparting a signature richness and complexity that sets it apart from any other Cabernet Shiraz blend in the country. First produced in 1960, Bin 389 is a multi-regional blend drawing on the finest Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz fruit from South Australia's most distinguished growing regions — Barossa Valley, Coonawarra, McLaren Vale, Padthaway, and Wrattonbully — unified by Penfolds' legendary blending expertise and matured for 12 months in American hogsheads (37% new). The 2016 vintage was exceptional across South Australia, delivering outstanding fruit concentration, natural structure, and the balance that makes Bin 389 such a compelling cellaring proposition year after year.

Tasting Notes

A 51/49% blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz from the Barossa Valley, Coonawarra, McLaren Vale, Padthaway and Wrattonbully, matured for 12 months in American hogsheads (37% new). Retains elegance despite the clarion call of the cascade of fruit flavours. The fruit, oak, tannin and acid balance is impeccable, as is the length and drive of the palate. The savoury subtext is equally good. 96 Points — James Halliday

Style & Drinking Window

Medium to full-bodied with a beautifully balanced structure of firm tannins, vibrant acidity, and generous fruit concentration, the 2016 Penfolds Bin 389 is now in its prime drinking window after nearly a decade of cellaring. The American oak has fully integrated into the wine's dark fruit core, delivering the signature Penfolds richness and complexity with seamless precision. Drink now through 2032. Decant for 45–60 minutes. Serve at 17–19°C.

Food Pairing

The impeccable fruit, oak, tannin and acid balance of the 2016 Penfolds Bin 389 make it a magnificent match for Australian Grass-Fed Frenched Lamb Rack from My Meat Man. The wine's dark fruit cascade and savoury complexity complement the sweet, herb-crusted character of a frenched lamb rack beautifully — whether roasted whole in the oven with rosemary and garlic, seared and finished in a hot oven, or served with a classic red wine and mint jus.

Why This Is a Smart Buy

At HK$588, the 2016 Penfolds Bin 389 Cabernet Sauvignon Shiraz delivers 96-point quality at a price that represents exceptional value for a nearly decade-aged Penfolds icon. Bin 389 consistently outperforms its price point — delivering the complexity and structure of wines costing significantly more, with the added benefit of Grange barrel ageing that no other wine at this price can offer. For the collector or wine lover who wants serious, age-worthy Australian red with the Penfolds guarantee, this is an outstanding buy.

Looking for a Different Style?

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