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Wine Description
The Story
Bin 389 is often referred to as ‘Poor Man’s Grange’ or ‘Baby Grange’, in part because components of the wine are matured in the same barrels that held the previous vintage of Grange. First made in 1960, by the legendary Max Schubert, this was the wine that helped to build Penfolds solid reputation with red wine drinkers.
Combining the structure of Cabernet with the richness of Shiraz, Bin 389 also exemplifies Penfolds skill in judiciously balancing fruit and oak.
Bin 389 is one of Australia’s great cellaring red wines. First produced in 1960, its history is connected with the development of Grange and Max Schubert’s ambition of creating a ‘dynasty of wines which all bear an unmistakable resemblance to each other’.
Named after its original binning compartment at Magill cellars, Bin 389 is the most popular wine in the Australian secondary wine market because of its heritage, consistency and reputation.
Vintage 1984
The Australia 1984 wine vintage received mixed reviews from the wine press and critics. It was a year marked by variable weather conditions and challenges, leading to wines of varying quality across different regions and grape varieties. H
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Variable Quality: The prevailing theme in reviews of the Australia 1984 vintage was the highly variable quality of the wines. Different regions experienced different weather patterns and challenges, resulting in a wide range of wine styles and quality levels.
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Challenging Weather: The vintage was characterized by a range of weather conditions, including rain during the growing season in some areas, which posed challenges to grape ripening and overall wine quality.
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Fruit Ripeness: Many critics noted that achieving optimal fruit ripeness was a challenge in 1984. This resulted in wines that were often lighter in body and lower in alcohol compared to some other vintages.
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Tannin Levels: Tannin levels in the red wines were variable, with some wines exhibiting firm tannins that might benefit from additional aging, while others had softer tannins that made them approachable early on.
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Vibrant Whites: Some white wines, particularly those made from varieties like Chardonnay and Semillon, were praised for their vibrancy and freshness. These wines often showcased bright citrus and fruit flavors.
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Regional Differences: The success of the vintage varied by region. Some areas, particularly cooler-climate regions, were better suited to the conditions and produced more balanced and expressive wines.
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Notable Producers: Some Australian wineries and producers were able to excel in the challenging vintage conditions and received positive reviews for their 1984 wines.
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Overall Assessment: The general consensus was that Australia 1984 was not a uniformly strong vintage, and it did not reach the heights of some other Australian vintages. However, there were still enjoyable wines to be found, especially among those produced by experienced winemakers and in regions that were better suited to the conditions.
In summary, the Australia 1984 vintage was a mixed vintage, with varying degrees of success depending on the region and producer. While it may not be considered one of Australia's standout years, it offered some wines that provided enjoyable drinking experiences, particularly for those who favored lighter styles and sought out wines from regions that fared better in the vintage.
