Upon release the wine is bright ruby in colour. There is a teasing array of vibrant red fruit on the nose including raspberry, pomegranate, cherry and plum. Spice and herbal notes, as well as a savoury underlay, add to the wine's complexity. While the palate has generous fruit weight and velvety tannins, it is balanced with refreshing acidity and a structure that gives the wine classic North Canterbury tension and pinosity.

True to its Coonawarra roots, this vintage exhibits a distinctive ferrous red grip on the palate - a hallmark of the region's famed terra rossa soil. Mineral undertones add depth without detracting from the wine's approachability. Firm grippy tannins are well integrated, providing structure while allowing French oak spice nuances to emerge gently alongside hints of cola. Cedar spice weaves through the profile, joined by tart cranberry and redcurrant flavours. Subtle inflections of white pepper mix with classic cigar box aromas and a dusting of paprika for added dimension. Rounded out by a suggestion of rare roast beef that lingers on the finish.

An abundance of flavoursome fruit. Shiraz is our hero, selected for its fine savoury tannins, dark fruit and generosity across the mid-palate. Grenache tannins, exotic red fruits and lively acid provide ample tension. Mataro plays the anchor role, binding the palate into a harmonious balance with dusty, textural, mouth filling tannins. The tannins combined feel massaged and ground, quietly confident. The acidity is fresh and enticing. The palate is plush, complete. A generous, balanced all-rounder. Certainly not over extracted or pumped up. All together an enticing, complex, evolving wine, with a creamy texture, lively freshness and a willingness to delight from the first sip. Drink 2022 to 2033.

The palate texture is suggestive of cocoa powder while being framed by just enough savoury oak to add structure without dominating. Leading with black fruit characters, it progresses with dark plum and hints of gamey richness (roasted venison). Baking spice notes and a delicate icing sugar dusting add nuance without tipping into overt sweetness. Lively acidity carries through from start to finish, perfectly accompanied by fine structural tannins that contribute to an enduring balance. Despite its depth and layers, it carries itself with typical Bin 28 ease; its complexity is apparent yet approachable.

The palate is immediately enveloped by cocoa powder-like tannins - smooth yet profound in their impact. The wine boasts volumes of Cabernet character, showcasing cool fruits that are well lifted and vibrant. A barrel ferment nuance adds depth without overshadowing the fruit's purity. Sourdough notes bring a rustic edge which complement the lush profiles of plum fruits, blackberry, mulberry, wild cherries and more distinctly tart morello cherries.

The palate is immediately enveloped by cocoa powder-like tannins - smooth yet profound in their impact. The wine boasts volumes of Cabernet character, showcasing cool fruits that are well lifted and vibrant. A barrel ferment nuance adds depth without overshadowing the fruit's purity. Sourdough notes bring a rustic edge which complement the lush profiles of plum fruits, blackberry, mulberry, wild cherries and more distinctly tart morello cherries.

Bin 389 is often referred to as 'Baby Grange', in part because components of the wine are matured in the same barrels that held the previous vintage of Grange. Exemplifying the judicious balance of fruit and oak, Bin 389 highlights the generous mid-palate Penfolds is known for. The 2023 release leaves a lasting impression of power and elegance - layered and balanced, with rich dark fruits, supple tannins, and a long, savoury finish. A thoughtful blend of varietals. The inclusion of Cabernet Sauvignon provides impeccable structure and depth. Supporting this foundation, Shiraz adds weight and warmth. Red fruits flood the palate, with vibrant flavours of red currant and tart cranberry. The sweetness of vanilla runs throughout the wine, while mouth-coating tannins create a rich, full-bodied texture. Savoury flavours of black olive emerge, accompanied by a blend of orange zest, fennel, and olive. Impeccable, fine tannins conclude the experience, leaving a lasting impression of both power and elegance.

The core is undeniably sweet/rich yet sophisticated. The wine opens expansively - firm in structure yet big and glossy on approach. Tannins are remarkably balanced; they assert their presence without detracting from the lush blackcurrant fruit at its heart. Freshness is maintained through lively acidity, contributing greatly to the wine's depth and length. Well-integrated oak underpins these flavours without overwhelming them - focused and enhancing rather than competing with the fruit profile. A hint of Sarsaparilla adds an unexpected twist that lingers into the finish.

Inspired by Bin 707, Bin 407 offers varietal definition and approachability, yet still possesses structure and rich depth of flavour. Textbook Cabernet Sauvignon, the expressive Bin 407 demonstrates the reward of Penfolds multi-regional blending philosophy. The 2023 vintage is built for longevity, with the greatest reward reserved for those with the patience to cellar. Elegantly composed and finely structured, it reveals expressive dark Cabernet fruits, with savoury oak and understated earthy complexity. A burst of red fruit delivers a vibrant and lively mouthfeel. Steely tannins provide a structured backbone, complementing the darker tones of ripe forest fruit and a savoury hint of olives. A minerality, reminiscent of blue slate and ironstone, enhances the wine's complexity. The acidity ensures a balance that keeps the palate focused and cohesive, and its interplay with the tannins is expertly managed, allowing the wine to remain poised while delivering an abundance of flavoursome fruit. Subtle notes of tobacco lend a rich, earthy quality, contributing to a tightly-coiled palate. A young Bin 407 Cabernet Sauvignon certainly requires a decant to open up. It is not one to be hurried along. The biggest reward will come to those willing to subject their bottles to a long spell in the cellar.

The Cabernet Sauvignon grape varietal is widely planted across South Australia's premium wine regions, particularly in the Limestone Coast where grapes with tremendous structure and beautiful aromatics are found. Well-regarded since its launch in 2002, the Koonunga Hill Cabernet Sauvignon showcases the merits of multi-regional blending to Penfolds 'House Style'. A bold, full bodied wine displaying lovely aromatics, excellent structure, and great length.

Penfolds Koonunga Hill Shiraz Cabernet is a reflection of the Penfolds winemaking style and philosophy. Sourced from premium vineyards across South Australia, the wine is known for its full-flavoured style with excellent Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon fruit, firm yet well-rounded structure and balanced oak. Made as a traditional 'Australian blend', the Shiraz component provides fleshy fruit flavour while Cabernet Sauvignon provides a frame of fine grained tannins. Date, boysenberry & sweet cinnamon abound. Pair with grilled meats, lamb chops or charcuterie.

St Henri is a time-honoured and alternative expression of Shiraz, and an intriguing counterpoint to Grange. It is unusual amongst high quality Australian red wines as it does not rely on any new oak. Released for the first time by Penfolds in the early 1950s (first commercial vintage 1957), it gained a new lease of life in the 1990s as its quality and distinctive style became better understood. Proudly, a wine style that hasn't succumbed to the dictates of fashion or commerce. St Henri is rich and plush when young, gaining soft, earthy, mocha-like characters with age. It is matured in an assortment of old large vats that allow the wine to develop, imparting minimal, if any oak character. Although a small proportion of Cabernet may sneak into the blend, the focal point for St Henri remains Shiraz. True to form, the palate is quite savoury. Japanese nori paper and olive brine offer a very morish umami nuance. Fresh blueberry and mulberry leaf anchor the core of the mid-palate. Exotic spices adding intrigue, Alleppey turmeric, toasted cumin, pimento. The tannins are very tactile, comparable to Dutch cocoa. A classic St Henri that will reward extended time in the cellar.