1996 Penfolds Bin 389

[Sanjay_Nandurkar]

One from Australia.

1996 Penfolds Bin 389. A cabernet and shiraz combination. Iconic wine.

I purchased two cases of this wine at release and have been following it regularly since. I had one bottle in the last month amidst friends but that emptied rather quickly so I opened one again yesterday so I could savour it myself in a reflective manner.

1996 was a great vintage and it shows. At 20 years the wine has mellowed but there is still great fruit intensity in a seamless manner. The tannins have completely resolved. The length and mouthfeel is outstanding. The flavours are so complex. Bit of earth, mushrooms, iron, aged meats. I wondered if this wine were to be put up for tasting with no clue given how would the roasters pace it in terms of the country of origin or grape variety.

[John_Morris]

Thanks for the note. I haven’t had a 389 in years. I was pondering whether to buy a current release I saw on a shelf in the past week. But you’ve made me want a mature one now!

[Drew_Goin]

I used to love Bin 389 when it was $22/btl.

The only Penfolds I buy now is an aged St Henri or the $12 Koonunga Hill Shiraz/Cab.

[paul_hanna]

@John Morris

Thanks for the note. I haven’t had a 389 in years. I was pondering whether to buy a current release I saw on a shelf in the past week. But you’ve made me want a mature one now!

The 2010 389 impressed me most when I tasted the 2010 lineup.

More expensive now but still a very good wine. The St Henri was also pretty good.

I have likewise been tracking 2 cases of the '96 Bin 389. I think this (whilst enjoyable now) still needs 15 - 25 years (if well cellared) to peak…

[brodie_thomson]

@Sanjay Nandurkar

1996 Penfolds Bin 389. A cabernet and shiraz combination. Iconic wine.

I purchased two cases of this wine at release and have been following it regularly since. I had one bottle in the last month amidst friends but that emptied rather quickly so I opened one again yesterday so I could savour it myself in a reflective manner.

1996 was a great vintage and it shows. At 20 years the wine has mellowed but there is still great fruit intensity in a seamless manner. The tannins have completely resolved. The length and mouthfeel is outstanding. The flavours are so complex. Bit of earth, mushrooms, iron, aged meats. I wondered if this wine were to be put up for tasting with no clue given how would the roasters pace it in terms of the country of origin or grape variety.

.

Hi Sanjay, thanks for the note. I feel like a bit of a piker as I only have 18 bottles of this. Have yet to try one so really appreciate your posting this. I had the 1991 recently and it was glorious and fully mature but with lots of life left. I am sure that the 1996 will go on and on for a long time to come.

brodie

[Sanjay_Nandurkar]

John
I have a 2008 and 2012 given to me as presents. I tried the 2008. Whilst, the 2008 shows well the 1996 is on a different league because of the vintage and the maturity.
Wish I could send you a bottle …

[Sanjay_Nandurkar]

Paul
You are right- '96 sits on plateau now which can go on and on.

[Sanjay_Nandurkar]

Brodie
I finished my older Bin 389s. Still have few older Bin 28 Shiraz . And 1996 St Henri - which are also looking good. Ethereal.