Critic tasting note: "In typical Penfolds style, this Cab, Shiraz blend is a rich, polished wine lacquered in high-end oak. Lurking beneath the barrel-driven furniture polish, mocha and spice notes is a plush layer of berry fruit and a minty, herbal nuance. The alcohol shows some warmth on the gauzy palate while woody tannins cinch the fruit. A wine for chewing rather than sipping, this will requite a mega amount of protein and several years in cellar. Drink 2023–2035. Christina Pickard" - 90/100 Enthusiast
Drinking Window: 2023 - 2050
Blend: 57% Cabernet Sauvignon & 43% Shiraz
Vineyard Notes: McLaren Vale, Barossa Valley, Padthaway, Coonawarra, Robe, Wrattonbully
Vintage Notes:
Relatively dry conditions coupled with near long-term winter/spring temperatures indicated an early start to the growing season. However, a spell of cold weather in November slowed grapevine development. Warm and sunny weather prevailed throughout spring providing optimal conditions for flowering and fruit-set. Barossa Valley experienced 22 days of temperature greater than 35°C in summer, while McLaren Vale experienced 17 days greater than 35°C. Coonawarra, Robe and Wrattonbully also had a warm, dry growing season by regional standards. Late flowering and the delayed onset of veraison throughout the south-east slowed harvest by a few weeks. The warm, dry weather carried into autumn, setting up an Indian summer with favourable conditions for ripening grapes. A fine vintage for all Penfolds South Australian growing regions.
Ageing: American oak hogsheads (38% new)
Producer Tasting Notes:
COLOUR: Bright, crimson red
NOSE: Lifted, fragrant. Immediately Penfolds. Aficionados may quickly identify and proclaim 389. Opulently: Trifle: layers of custard and port-wine dark jelly with flaked coconut and juniper/cassis. Cake: old-fashioned hummingbird cake, with coconut flakes and nutty flavours. Overheard: “Petrichor aromas graduating to silkworm-eaten mulberry leaf”. Honestly!?! Familial youthful Bin 389 oak – subtle matchstick and a hint of vanilla powder. As they say – what is there not to like?! PALATE: Balance of the sweet (cabernet) and the savoury (Shiraz). Possesses what has now often been referred to as a black forest cake 2018 vintage flavour profile. Darker fruits – closer to that of a black cherry liqueur than a crème de cassis component of Kir. Flavours of roasted beetroot – a venison sauce beetroot reduction … similar texturally to a congealed sweet fat (a custardy emulsion/film – not a grainy paste).
