Penfolds, Bin 389 Cabernet Shiraz, South Australia 2019

With its seamless textural slide across the palate, this is a superb example of what is considered a distinctly Australian blend, showing both generosity and serious intent. A magnificent full nose leads to a lively dance of red plums over blue and black fruits, although the strong acid spine results in a rather sharp finish. Time in the cellar will reveal more integrated harmony between the essential elements. Released at AU$100.

Shows a very strident, oak-driven nose with cedar and spice that’s overlaid on ripe blackcurrant, red plum and cherry. Pepper and cocoa powder, too. The palate has a sinewy feel with intense summer berries and plums, as well as strong blackcurrant character. Curated to a brazen style with strong tannins. A blend of 53% cabernet sauvignon and 47% shiraz, matured in American-oak hogsheads (300 litres - 25% new). A blend of Padthaway, McLaren Vale, Coonawarra, Wrattonbully and Barossa Valley. Drink over the next decade. Screw cap.

Saturated ruby. Expressive, smoke- and spice-accented cherry, blackcurrant and floral oil scents are complemented by suggestions of cured tobacco and licorice. Sweet, seamless and penetrating on the palate, offering intense bitter cherry, dark berry and savory herb flavors that take a sweeter turn with air. Shows excellent focus and a touch of smokiness on the long, gently chewy finish, which features repeating florality and slow-building tannins. Made in all American oak hogsheads, 25% of them new.

A blend of 53% Cabernet Sauvignon and 47% Shiraz, the 2019 Bin 389 Cabernet Shiraz was sourced from Padthaway, McLaren Vale, Coonawarra, Wrattonbully and Barossa Valley and aged a year in American oak hogsheads (25% new). Some cool, mentholated notes lead the way, closely followed by cassis and blackberries, then hints of vanilla and cedar on the finish. It's medium to full-bodied, and generally pretty silky in feel, with a gentle dusting of drying tannins.