There is no question about the longevity of the premium Penfolds wines. The 2001 Bin 389 Cabernet/Shiraz is a good example. This wine drinks very well at present. It exhibits the famous Penfolds DNA: a full-bodied wine, with plum and blackberry flavours and a strong vanilla backbone of American oak. The American oak influence is something you don't come across so much any more these days, but in this case the concentrated fruit can certainly take it. Also, the Cabernet and Shiraz components are well integrated. This is a ripe wine, with a well rounded mouthfeel all along the palate. Earthy and savoury flavours are starting to appear. The tannins are firm, providing a strong structure for this wine and a fairly long finish. The joy from this wine is much enhanced, if it is consumed with protein.
This wine drinks well now. Primary fruit is still slightly ahead of secondary flavours. The balance will shift over the next few years. Cellared well, this 389 will continue to drink well for 7 to 10 years.
Score: 94/++
This wine drinks well now. Primary fruit is still slightly ahead of secondary flavours. The balance will shift over the next few years. Cellared well, this 389 will continue to drink well for 7 to 10 years.
Score: 94/++
No comments:
Post a Comment