South Australia · Australia
2019 Penfolds Bin 389 Cabernet Shiraz
A multi-region South Australian icon blending cassis-bright Cabernet and liquorice-rich Shiraz in one of the finest recent Bin 389 vintages.
- Varietal
- Cabernet-Shiraz
- Region
- South Australia
- ABV
- 14.5
- Vintage
- 2019
Drinking Window
In 2026: Approaching PeakDrinkable, but best years are ahead. Peak begins 2027.
Right now: In May 2026, the 2019 Penfolds Bin 389 is comfortably within its main drinking window, which opened in 2024 and runs through 2034. Seven years from harvest the wine has integrated beautifully, the oak has settled into the fruit, and the multi-district blend has found its equilibrium. The mentholated freshness of the nose is still vivid, and the dark fruit on the palate is vibrant and expressive. This is excellent drinking right now, with the wine showing the harmony and confidence that comes from Penfolds' decades of experience with this style. A 30 to 60 minute decant will add polish and breadth to the experience.
Tasting Note
Penfolds Bin 389 has been called the poor man's Grange, but that framing undersells one of Australia's most consistently reliable and genuinely outstanding wines. The wine was aged for twelve months in American oak hogsheads, with 25 percent new wood, a regime that adds structure and spice without overwhelming the fruit. The nose opens with cool, mentholated eucalyptus alongside ripe cassis and blackberry, a distinctly Australian pairing of fruit and freshness. Hints of vanilla and cedar from the oak weave through the fruit without dominating. On the palate the wine is medium to full-bodied with a savoury, mouth-filling quality: liquorice, stewed plum, and dark chocolate arrive in sequence, followed by the clean, firm backbone expected from the Cabernet component. The tannins are well-structured and the finish is long and satisfying, with a persistent dark-fruit echo and lingering spice. Multiple critics awarded the 2019 vintage 94 points, reflecting the wine's genuine quality and the exceptional nature of the growing season.
About Penfolds
Penfolds is one of Australia's most storied wineries, founded in 1844 and best known internationally for Grange, the country's most celebrated red wine. The Bin series represents Penfolds' commitment to consistency and quality across multiple price points and blending philosophies. Bin 389 has been produced since 1960 and remains a touchstone of Australian winemaking, demonstrating how multi-region blending, skilled winemaking, and thoughtful oak management can produce wines of remarkable reliability and genuine character year after year.
Food Pairings
Barbecued lamb chops with chimichurri
The wine's bold Cabernet Sauvignon backbone and eucalyptus freshness make it a natural companion for grilled lamb, while the herb sauce echoes the wine's mentholated quality.
Braised beef short rib with dark spices
The stewed plum and dark chocolate notes in the wine align perfectly with the slow-braised richness of beef short rib seasoned with warm spice.
Aged hard cheddar or mature Gouda
The firm tannins and savoury finish of the wine stand up well to the crystalline richness of aged hard cheeses.
Service & Cellaring
- Serving Temp
- 17 to 18 degrees C (63 to 64 degrees F)
- Decanting
- Decant 30 to 60 minutes before serving to add polish and allow the mentholated freshness to fully express.
- Cellar Storage
- 12 to 14 degrees C (54 to 57 degrees F)
Frequently Asked
What does Bin 389 mean?
The Bin number is a Penfolds internal code designating a specific wine blended from multiple parcels. Bin 389 has been produced continuously since 1960 and is one of the most iconic numbers in the Penfolds portfolio.
Is the 2019 Bin 389 ready to drink?
Yes. The drinking window opened in 2024 and the wine is in excellent shape through 2034. Enjoy it now with a brief decant.
What regions does the 2019 Bin 389 come from?
The blend draws from Padthaway, McLaren Vale, Coonawarra, Wrattonbully, and Barossa Valley, five of South Australia's most important wine regions.
How does Bin 389 compare to Penfolds Grange?
Bin 389 shares some of the same barrel stock as Grange and uses a similar multi-region blending philosophy, offering a more accessible price point while maintaining the Penfolds house style of richness, structure, and consistency.
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