TN: 2006 Penfolds Bin 389 Cabernet Shiraz

[Mike Hawkins]

My first bottle of this new release. Somewhat subdued nose (could be due to my cold in the balmy minus 14 degree weather) eventually opening up slighly to reveal ribena and chocolate notes. The palate lacks the richness of the 2004 and 2005 releases, though this is not a negative - there's still plenty of excellent fruit there. The acid sticks out just a tad and the wine finishes with long, dusty tannins and a hint of menthol (it should all come together in time). Although the split is 52/48 cab/shiraz fruit, it struck me as being cabernet dominant to a much larger degree.

I think this wine has a longer life than the previous 9 releases. Its one for the cellar while you drink the 02, 04 and 05 Bin 389s. Its going to be awesome in time.

[TORB]

Hi Mike,

For some reason even when there is only a reasonably small Cabernet component in a Shiraz/Cab blend, in most cases the Cabernet dominates when young.

[griff]

Thanks Mike for the note. Apart from the menthol (don't like too much) this looks right up my alley. Will definitely make sure to try it now. Have to say your weather is far better for reds than ours at the moment!

cheers

Carl

[Mike Hawkins]

I left a glass for 24 hours which I'm drinking now (and have left one more for tomorrow) and have to say the acid and menthol notes are not as prominent. It also seems to have taken on palate weight. Its a pretty good wine actually, especially if you like a touch of rusticity.

[griff]

Half a dozen bought. I liked it a lot as well. Reminds me more of the 90's 389's i.e. slightly more rustic as you say as compared to the 04 and 05.

cheers

Carl

[tim1210]

so for those unfamiliar with the 'more rustic' style of the 90s, how does the 06 stack up next to the last 2 years in terms of peoples personal preferences? .... trying to decide whether to buy or not.

[cuttlefish]

Without having tried the 2006 release of the 389, I have to say that the one time I did try the 2005 release, I was astounded at the size and power of the tannins, those bloody things carried an unbelievable level of weight. I'd be staggered if the 05 didn't last 30 years. I'm surprised at your opinion that the 06 is the one to cellar, and the 04, and 05 to be drunk up...or am I reading too much into it ?

[griff]

While the 04 and 05 had copious tannin I felt that they tasted more ready or integrated than the 96 and 98's from memory. The 06 was less ready and more elemental. Less fruit sweetness i.e. less approachable and more structured. Balanced other than some slight heat on the finish when it was first opened.

Personal opinion of course and much of a muchness. I think that one wouldn't be disappointed with the 04, 05 or 06. Only thing that annoys me is buying Fosters wines due to their poor after sales service. At least it is screwcapped!

However take advantage of tastings in the area before buying. One person's meat etc.

cheers

Carl

[Daryl Douglas]

Without having tried the 2006 release of the 389, I have to say that the one time I did try the 2005 release, I was astounded at the size and power of the tannins, those bloody things carried an unbelievable level of weight. I'd be staggered if the 05 didn't last 30 years. I'm surprised at your opinion that the 06 is the one to cellar, and the 04, and 05 to be drunk up...or am I reading too much into it ?

The 05 sounds like a young 98 Bin 389 - or a young Cullen cab/merl 99 - tannin-wise.

[tim1210]

penfolds seem to think the 06 to has slightly longer term cellaring potential (to 2035 rather than 2030 for the previous 2 vintages)...

[Irregular]

I also tried the new release range on Friday. Went to taste the 389 in particular with the intention of really wanting to like it and buy some as the local offer price was very good. I ended up with none! It just didn’t scream ‘great wine’ at all. It was ok, just not one that jumped out at me. Tried it again yesterday with the same result, a good but not great wine. In years to come I may be proven wrong and regret not getting any, however, there’s a lot of good wine competing at this price point which I will buy in preference.

The two wines which did have some immediate appeal where the Bin 138 and in particular, surprisingly, the Bin 28. Previous current release Bin 28’s have not been approachable upon release but have developed beautifully with time. By contrast, I thought this Bin 28 was very good now and should improve even more.

cheers
Ian

[griff]

I also tried the new release range on Friday. Went to taste the 389 in particular with the intention of really wanting to like it and buy some as the local offer price was very good. I ended up with none! It just didn’t scream ‘great wine’ at all. It was ok, just not one that jumped out at me. Tried it again yesterday with the same result, a good but not great wine. In years to come I may be proven wrong and regret not getting any, however, there’s a lot of good wine competing at this price point which I will buy in preference.

The two wines which did have some immediate appeal where the Bin 138 and in particular, surprisingly, the Bin 28. Previous current release Bin 28’s have not been approachable upon release but have developed beautifully with time. By contrast, I thought this Bin 28 was very good now and should improve even more.

cheers
Ian

I liked the 138 as well (first time for me). Found the 28 good but not great. Not a bad price though.

Shame about the 389. Glad you found something to like however

cheers

Carl