2015 Penfolds Cabernet Sauvignon/Shiraz Bin 389

Blended of 53% Cabernet Sauvignon and 47% Shiraz and sporting a deep garnet-purple color, the 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon/Shiraz Bin 389 South Australia has a bombastic nose of crushed blueberries and black currants with hints of vanilla pod, dried Provence herbs, lavender and cigar boxes. Medium to full-bodied, the palate simply sings with exuberant black and blue fruits, supported by grainy tannins and a refreshing backbone, finishing with a pleasant herbal lift.

Bin 389 was often referred to as ‘Baby Grange’, in part because components of the wine are matured in the same barrels that held the previous vintage of Grange. First made in 1960 by the legendary Max Schubert. Autumn and early winter rainfall were above the long-term average. Rain stopped abruptly in early August with only light showers observed throughout spring. The dry and cool spring period affected canopy growth early in the season. Warm and dry conditions during flowering and fruit-set resulted in rapid grapevine growth and early flowering. A high rainfall event occurred in Coonawarra in January, mostly falling outside of veraison, and February delivered weekend heat spikes. Wrattonbully had a warm and generally dry ripening end to the season which allowed for the development on strong varietal flavours. 53% Cabernet Sauvignon, 47% Shiraz from Wrattonbully, McLaren Vale, Barossa Valley, Coonawarra, Robe, Padthaway. TA 7 g/l, pH 3.64. 12 months in 32% new, 37% one-year-old and 31% two-year-old American oak hogsheads. Wrattonbully doing very well for Penfolds. Slightly green note on the end. Gamey note too, but you know that all the holes on the palate will eventually be filled. Lifted fruit. Masses of tannins underneath really pushing up through the fruit. Minty note too. This seems much more youthful than most. Lip-smacking but pretty embryonic. High kicking and attention-grabbing but needs time. (JR)

Wrattonbully doing very well for Penfolds. Slightly green note on the end. Gamey note too, but you know that all the holes on the palate will eventually be filled. Lifted fruit. Masses of tannins underneath really pushing up through the fruit. Minty note too. This seems much more youthful than most. Lip-smacking but pretty embryonic. High kicking and attention-grabbing but needs time. Oct 2017, www.jancisrobinson, Drink: 2022-2035