2012 Bin 389 Cabernet Shiraz

A classy Bin 389 reflection of a relatively more elegant and refined South Australian 2012 vintage.

A year in which the American oak has minimal if any overt effect… could be French!

Divergent South-East and Barossa/McLaren Vale fruit sourcing; Two varieties, Cabernet and Shiraz; Yes, Bin 389!

Peter Gago, Penfolds chief winemaker

91/100

A blend of 54% Cabernet Sauvignon and 46% Shiraz made with fruit from Wrattonbully, Barossa, McLaren Vale, Langhorne Creek and Robe.

Aged 12 months in American oak hogsheads, 40% of which were new, the deep garnet-purple colored 2012 Bin 389 Cabernet Shiraz is slightly closed with the Cabernet/cassis leading the nose marked by warm red and black plums, Mediterranean herbs, pepper and cedar.

In the mouth notes of vanilla and cedar wrap around the warm black fruit core that is framed by firm, chewy tannins and just enough acid. It finishes long.

Lisa Perrotti-Brown, www.erobertparker.com, October 2014

95/100

Jeremy Oliver, www.jeremyoliver.com