Jeremy Oliver 91 points!
Huon Hooke 92 points!
Robert Parker 91 points!
Representing an evolution in 389's style, this deeply flavoured and artfully structured red blend has moved away from the overtly charming mocha/chocolate oak of the 1990s towards a finer and more perfumed oak extract, as well as revealing some herbal, bay leaf aromas largely unfamiliar to the label. Its rich, dark and meaty aromas of dark plums, cassis and cedar/vanilla oak reveal delightfully assertive and complex suggestions of dark chocolate, spice, game and leather. Smooth and polished, its palate backs its ripe and slightly currant-like expression of cassis/blackberry fruit with a drying and rather chalky backbone of firm tannin, finishing with warm, lingering nuances of polished oak and minerals. It's very good, but below gold medal standard.
Jeremy Oliver, Onwine.
Robert Parker 91 points!
"An impressive effort is the 2003 Cabernet Sauvignon/Shiraz Bin 389. A blend of 52% Cabernet Sauvignon and 48% Shiraz, primarily sourced from the Barossa, Padthaway, McLaren Vale, and Langhorne Creek appellations, it was aged 14 months in large oak vats. A beautiful deep ruby/purple color is followed by sweet aromas of bay leaves, black currant liqueur, smoked herbs, roasted meats, and hints of soy and licorice. This big, chewy, solid, rich Cabernet is ideal for drinking over the next 7-8 years. About 20% new American oak hogsheads was used in its evolution."
Robert Parker, Wine Advocate #167 (Oct 2006).
Country:
Australia
Region:
SA-(Other)
Variety:
Wine Red - Cabernet blend
Size:
750mL
