Worth It$35-45

Penfolds Bin 389 Cabernet Shiraz 2021

They call it Baby Grange for a reason. The most reliable Australian red under $50.

Producer

Penfolds

Region

South Australia

Varietal

Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz

Vintage

2021

Beckett Stone

2026-04-10

The Short Take

Penfolds Bin 389 is the 'Baby Grange' — aged in the same barrels used for Grange Hermitage the previous vintage. Cabernet and Shiraz blended for structure and richness. Dark fruit, chocolate, cedar, reliable as sunrise. A staple of any cellar with an Australian section.

Bin 389 gets its nickname from the barrels. After Grange — the most famous wine in Australia — finishes its time in new American oak, those barrels get refilled with the Bin 389 blend. You are literally tasting the ghost of Grange in every sip. Dark plum, chocolate, cedar, a hint of mint from the Cabernet. It is rich without being heavy, structured enough to age 10 years, approachable enough to drink tonight. The 2021 is classic Penfolds — consistent, polished, zero surprises. If you want one Australian red in your cellar and you do not want to spend Grange money, this is the answer. It has been the answer for 60 years.

Pairs With

Barbecue, smoked anything, dark chocolate, cold weather.