2002 Penfolds Bin 389 - Australia, South Australia (9/4/2006)
WIML88+,PURPLE87,WA88,WS89

Tasted September 4, 2006 at home as part of the Wino Depot Tasting With Friends Event for September. This is a blend of 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 45% Shiraz. 14.5% alcohol. Aged 12 months in American Oak (some barrels are reused from the Grange). Opened and splash decanted about 3 hours before serving in a Spiegelau Authentis Magnum glass. Dark purple color in the glass, clear hue throughout. When the wine was first opened and decanted the nose was really tight, giving way to some minor notes of leather and dark fruits. Flavors were singularly tart red cherries and berries at that time as well. At both the 2 and 3 hour marks there were additional notes of cassis, more pronounced berries, black cherries and pepper. Flavors of black cherries, black berries and a little anise. Past the 3 hour mark it started to show secondary flavors and aromas of dried herbs, tobacco, black licorice, blueberries, etc… Over the 3 hours in decanter it did continue to improve but there was no “serious” improvement in the wine; maybe hitting the 88 point mark with 1-2 hours in the decanter and possibly pushing that past the 3 hour mark. Medium acidity and tannins, light to medium bodied. Drink over the short to midterm. Based on my local retail price of $19.99 I’d say the value here is acceptable. (88 pts.)