At a glance

Producer

Penfolds

Region

South Australia, Australia

Grape variety

Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz

Wine type

Red

Body

Full-bodied and Bold

Sweetness

Dry

Typical price

$60-$85 USD

Tasting profile

Dense blackcurrant, ripe plum, mulberry, integrated French/American oak, espresso, dark chocolate, hints of mint and eucalyptus, savory complexities.

Evolution: Primary fruit integrating with tertiary notes of cedar, tobacco, graphite, earth, more savoury and umami elements with age.

At peak: Elegant harmony of fruit, spice, tobacco, and oak—polished tannins, long finish, and layered complexity.

Structure

Acidity

Medium-plus; fresh and balancing the richness.

Tannins

Firm, abundant, but polished; classic Bin 389 backbone.

Alcohol

13.5-14.5% ABV (typical for Bin 389, 2022 vintage likely 14.5%).

Aging potential

15-20+ years, cellar-worthy and increases in complexity over time.

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2030 to 2037

Optimal window

2027 to 2042

Current status

Very young, can be approached but tannic and primary.

Current condition

Structured and tightly wound; requires significant aeration if consumed now.

Penfolds Bin 389 is renowned for its long cellaring capacity, evolving from youthfully robust and oaky into a supple, mature wine with developed tertiary notes between 2030–2037. Bottles stored under optimal conditions reliably age for two decades.

Food pairing

Roast lamb, Wagyu ribeye, braised short ribs, mushroom dishes, aged cheddar, grilled eggplant.

Serving

Decant

Yes (30 minutes) — The wine has firm and abundant tannins which can benefit from aeration to soften and enhance its flavors. Decanting for about 30 minutes will help in opening up the wine and improving its overall profile.

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 5/10

Penfolds employs water efficiency measures, some renewable energy, large-scale recycling, and is part of the Sustainable Winegrowing Australia program at a group level. However, not all wines are produced with certified practices, and no Bin 389 bottling is certified organic/biodynamic.

Penfolds is a widely respected, large-scale producer that undertakes some sustainability initiatives, such as water and energy conservation and membership in sustainability groups. Yet Bin 389 is not certified organic, biodynamic, or sustainably farmed at the product level. Heavy glass bottles and global exports increase the carbon footprint. While efforts are ongoing at the corporate level, bottle-specific certifications and comprehensive sustainability transparency are lacking. Australia’s progressive standards bring some optimism, but this vintage should be seen as moderate-average for sustainability.