Penfolds BIN 389 Cabernet Shiraz 2000

MMMMMMMM Boy! Now this is a nice wine. I've had a number of Penfolds wines, (don't forget to invite me to the Grange tasting) and for the most part they are affordable an have value that is hard to find in a California wine. Particularly at the low end of the spectrum, which is what most of us buy. (Well you, really.) This wine sells currently (2002) at Bevmo for $24.95, and garnered an 89 points from Wine Spectator. Bev mo describes it as: "Bright and juicy, the '02 Penfolds Bin 389 is a claret-style blend of Cabernet and Shiraz that lets its blackberry and currant flavors glow on a supple core, velvety finish." I would have to agree!

Penfolds' website says: "Created by the legendary Max Schubert - creator of Penfolds Grange - Bin 389 is often referred to as 'poor man's Grange' ('baby Grange' in the U.S.) because components of the wine are matured in the same barrels that held the previous year's Grange.

First made in 1960, this was the wine that built Penfolds' solid reputation with red wine drinkers. Combining the structure of Cabernet with the richness of Shiraz, Bin 389 also exemplifies Penfolds' skill in balancing fruit and oak. A classic Australian style with a clear Penfolds identity."

If this is an shadow of Grange, well, I'm a shadow of ... I'll let you know.

This wine is full bodied, semi-dry, smokey oak flavors, and tastes like what it is. 52% Cabernet and 48% Syrah. A wonderful wine. If you're not used to spending $25 on a wine, this is one to go out on a limb for. See what they're drinking Down Under.