The happy marriage of Cabernet Sauvignon (51%) with Shiraz (49%) rarely looks as cosy or integrated than in this stellar example. A generous mid-palate shows off fine long fruit flavours from the slow-ripening 2022 vintage, with ruddy Shiraz ripeness in step with the more tannic bite of Cabernet Sauvignon’s blackberry and mulberry adding a moreish savoury note. With 36% new American oak hogsheads used for 12 months’ maturation, there’s just enough oak-influenced spice to provide adequate seasoning to the deep, pure flavours.
97 points, David Sly, Decanter (Jul 2024)
This is a delightful 2022 Bin 389, a blend of 51% Cabernet and 49% Shiraz fruit from McLaren Vale, Coonawarra, Barossa Valley, Padthaway and Wrattonbully. The 2022 is a benchmark vintage - effortless with effusive aromas of cassis, licorice and blackberry topped by a nice touch of graphite. Classically styled, with a firm base of tannins and vibrant flavors that nicely balance the finish that just goes on and on. A little shy right now, but everything is in its perfect place for a long and distinguished future.
95 points, Angus Hughson, Vinous (Aug 2024)
Rich, inky-hued and packed with layers of aromas (think: plush blackberries and violets backed by more savory notes of dried herbs, tar and gravel, and a smoky, charred, pan scrapings nuance), Bin 389 is an incredibly polished, silky wine. Dense and powerful, yes, but with a satiny cushion of dark fruit that rises up to meet the monstrous tannins, taming them into a classy-as-hell wine to drink now with decanter and protein at hand, or to cellar for several decades.
95 points, Christina Pickard, Wine Enthusiast (Mar 2025)
Penfolds "Baby Grange" is in fine form for the 2022 release and, for me, sits at the confluence of both traditional and contemporary winemaking. Its cellaring track record is outstanding and I think this release will age beautifully thanks to its classic structure and impressive fruit depth. It's all dark plum and berry with a sheen of mahogany, sweet oak spice, cigar lounge, milk chocolate, dried cranberry and pressed violets. Layered and filigreed with compact fine-grained tannins and a sense of grace and poise as it slowly sails off. It's a ripper.
95 points, Dave Brooks, Halliday Wine Companion (Jul 2024)