Penfolds Bin 389 Cabernet Shiraz

I am a bit hesitant to put up a review on Bin 389. What can be said that has not already been said about this legendary wine? In contemplating this question, it was clear there is one thing: do not drink this wine too early in its life. I opened a 2006 Penfolds Bin 389 Cabernet Shiraz, and it has just reached its strong drinking window. 

The colour is still impenetrably dark. Blackcurrant and plum fruit deliver a sweet core, but not in an extreme way. The two grape varieties are seamlessly integrated, as is the oak (old Grange barrels). Dark chocolate and soft beef flavours add to the complexity. The overall impact is a beautifully rounded mouthfeel with mellowed tannins, which still have a firm grip on the wine's structure. This is a top wine from a not so highly regarded vintage.

Score: 95/+++  

Penfolds 1971 Grange

First up, dear wine buffs, what is wrong with this bottle? No, it is not the damaged label. Please comment your thoughts.

1971: The UK changed to decimal currency, the Concorde flew across the atlantic for the first time, and John Newcombe won Wimbledon for the third time. And this is the second last vintage of Max Schubert, Australia's greatest winemaker.

When you drink a 45 year old wine under cork, you have to expect bottle variation. The damaged label is not a sign of what is to come: this is a great bottle, luckily. The wine still has amazingly vibrant colour.

The flavours are intriguing: violets, crisp boscop apple, but then: almond, dates, and sultana. The wine is still quite dense, with the structure firmly in tact. Take note: the alcohol level is a measly 12.3%. The overall impression is of the velvety texture and the long, long smooth finish. 

This wine is elegant, mesmerizing, majestic. The flavour is equally on the front, mid and back palate, seamless.

Tasted with ham of the bone, duck and orange paté, and soft cheeses and dates.

My first ever

Score: 100/+++