Penfolds Bin 389 has always been one of my favorite Australian wines and this new vintage certainly does not disappoint....

Penfolds Bin 389 Cabernet-Shiraz 2003 South Australia $25
We Bought a Bunch $19.99
What the Wine Critics Thought: Wine Advocate 91 points
An impressive effort is the 2003 Bin 389. A blend of 52 percent Cabernet Sauvignon and 48 percent Shiraz, primarily sourced from the Barossa, Padthaway, McLaren Vale, and Langhorne Creek appellations, it was aged 14 months in large oak vats. A beautiful deep ruby/purple color is followed by sweet aromas of bay leaves, black currant liqueur, smoked herbs, roasted meats, and hints of soy and licorice. This big, chewy, solid, rich Cabernet is ideal for drinking over the next 7-8 years. About 20 percent new American oak hogsheads were used in its evolution.

What We Thought: A brambly black raspberry and blackberry nose leads to a velvety smooth, full-bodied palate of vanilla-tinged blackberry fruit that finishes jammy and lush, displaying the supplest of tannins. This is an elegant "drink me now" bottle of Aussie red.

November 15, 2006