1973 Penfolds Bin 389 Cabernet Shiraz 750ml

Penfolds Red Wine Clinic 2025, Minor Label Damage, Minor Label Stain/s

About This Wine

The Penfolds Bin 389 Cabernet Shiraz is one of Australia's most iconic red wines. First released in 1960 by the legendary winemaker Max Schubert, the wine played an important role in establishing Penfolds’ reputation among collectors of Australian red wine.

Bin 389 became widely known as “Baby Grange” because components of the wine are matured in the same American oak hogsheads that previously held the earlier vintage of Grange. The name “Bin 389” refers to its original storage location in the underground cellars at Magill Estate.

The 1973 vintage represents an important moment in the wine’s history. It was the final vintage produced using the traditional open concrete fermenters at Magill Estate before production moved to the Barossa Valley.

Bin 389 is recognised for combining Cabernet Sauvignon, which contributes structure, with Shiraz, which adds richness and fruit weight. The wine has long been regarded as one of Australia’s most cellared red wines due to its consistency and ability to age for decades.

According to Penfolds’ Rewards of Patience, the 1973 vintage has reached its peak drinking window and is now fully mature. Mature examples show developed notes of leather, stewed fruits and roasted nuts, with tannins becoming fine and chalky after extended bottle ageing.

Specifications

• Vintage: 1973
• Grape Variety: Cabernet Sauvignon & Shiraz
• Region: South Australia / Australia
• Maturation: 18 months in new, one and two year old American oak hogsheads (ex Grange and Bin 707)
• Production Attributes: Oaked
• Oak Type: American
• Sweetness: Dry
• Winemaker: Peter Gago
• Ownership: Treasury Wine Estates
• Closure: Cork or screwcap