Description / Reviews
"The wine that very much epitomises the concept of blending. 53% Cabernet Sauvignon and 47% Shiraz, the fruit has been sourced from Coonawarra, Barossa Valley, McLaren Vale and Padthaway. The oak used for maturation is a mix of new and older, all American oak hogsheads (34% new), for a period of 13 months. This is an exceptional 389. Black/maroon in colour with an opaque blood red rim, this is dense yet focused, intense and yet impeccably balanced. The nose offers aromas of charcuterie, bay leaves, cigar boxes, cassis, black fruits, chocolate, aniseed, dried herbs and tapenade. Exhibiting good early complexity, this is taut, polished and focused. There are hints of vanillin oak, but they are just lurking in the background, and the wine is beautifully integrated. A complete wine. There is a creamy texture, great length and silky tannins with the intensity maintained throughout. Wonderful stuff. For enjoying over the next twenty-five to thirty years. Every chance it will step up even further over that period. 2026 – 2056." - 97 Points, Ken Gargett, Wine Pilot
"This benchmark Cabernet-Shiraz blend is known as ‘Baby Grange’ since components of the wine are matured in the same barrels that held the previous vintage of Grange. First made in 1960, the blend is always Cabernet-dominant; this year 53% with the fruit for both varieties coming from Coonawarra, Barossa Valley, McLaren Vale and Padthaway. A generous mid-palate is framed by perfectly poised oak, its fine fruit flavours layered with dark chocolate, coconut and sweet spice, all propelled to a long finish by fresh acidity. A confident performance." - 95 Points, Julie Shepperd, Decanter
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Grapes sourced from Coonawarra, Barossa Valley, McLaren Vale, Padthaway. 53% cabernet sauvignon, 47% shiraz. 13 months in American oak, 34% new. Price is unchanged at $120 RRP.
There’s some creosote, crushed ant to this as well. There’s also blackcurrant, mint, vanilla and bay, with a sure-footed push of glossy plum flavour spreading throughout. This was one of the rush-tasted wines at the finish. There’s an interplay here between warmth and herbal characters, which was/is convincing enough but had me asking questions in terms of where this wine is placed in the Bin 389 hierarchy. Fair to say that, on the day, I wasn’t as convinced as I normally am. Would love to re-visit." - 93+ Points, Campbell Mattinson, The Wine Front
