September 2, 2002
1999
Penfolds Bin 389 Cabernet Shiraz
4.5 grapes
With 8 wine sampled at the Southcorp tasting at the Faculty Club in Edmonton on friday August 30, this wine stood shoulders above the rest. Created by the legendary Max Schubert - creator of Penfolds Grange - Bin 389 is often referred to as 'poor man's Grange' ('baby Grange' in the U.S.) because components of the wine are matured in the same barrels that held the previous year's Grange.
First made
in 1960, this was the wine that built Penfolds' solid reputation with
redwine drinkers. Combining the structure of Cabernet with the richness
of Shiraz, Bin 389 also exemplifies Penfolds' skill in balancing fruit
and oak. A classic Australian style with a clear Penfolds identity.
Beautful intense colour with waves of overripe black berry fruit along
with layers of anise and other spice, and a rich, meaty almost chewy palate
with delicate balance of oak, tannins and body makes this wine to be savoured
sip by sip
Techincal Data From Penfolds
Regional
Source
Padthaway, Barossa Valley and Coonawarra, with small contributions from
McLaren Vale and other regions.
Vintage
Conditions
Dry conditions in spring and summer were alleviated by rain in February
and March and yielded concentrated, ripe fruit. 1999 red wines will be
best enjoyedin the short-to-medium term.
Grape
Variety
Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz (Syrah)
Maturation
13 months in American oak (22 per cent new).
The Purple Feet Rating System: |
5 grapes = spectacular |
4 grapes = delicious |
3 grapes = yummy |
2 grapes = okay |
1 grape = awkward |
