Community Tasting Note

Monday, November 20, 2023 - This was so lively, I guessed that this could have been a 2016 vintage. By the time we had this 13th bottle, I couldn't quite remember if any of us got the bottle correct. From the menthol notes, I did remember saying there must be Cab in this, and likely a Bordeaux blend from South Australia.

This 389 is known 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.

Max Schubert's principles of combining the structure of Cabernet, with the richness of Shiraz, is clearly seen here. In fact, the blend is Cab 51% and Shiraz 49%. Matured for 14 months in new (40%), 1 year-old (20%) and 2 year-old (20%) American oak hogsheads.

The appearance is very opaque with a dark core. Nose of prune, dates and hints of soy as well. The freshness of the black fruit here shows how this wine has aged effortlessly, and is still so young despite being 13 years old. Full-bodied, medium-long length finish.

The integration of the Cab and Shiraz is so balanced, with dusty tannins, medium+ acidity and sweetness as well as mint on the mid-palate.

The 2010 vintage in South Australia was a really good one.
According to penfolds.com ...
Cool nights and consistently warm days typified the growing season and were conducive to sustained ripening and
consequent flavour development.

This is a South Australia multi-regional blend, including Barossa Valley, Coonawara, McLaren Vale, Adelaide Hills and other areas.

Thanks to Romz for spoiling us with not one, but two wines of excellent pedigree and age. Enjoyed our dinner in Mini Tanker with the "white wine gang" tremendously.

20th Nov 2023
Mini Tanker, Damansara Kim, Malaysia