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Penfolds: blending Cabernet and Shiraz from multiple regions
This Australian producer makes red wines such as Grange and Bin 389. For Bin 389, they blend Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz sourced from multiple regions in South Australia.
Let’s compare the 2021 and 2022 Bin 389. Look at how the two varieties from multiple regions are blended, apart from the barrel numbers.
Questions for this course
If it's the same Bin 389, do the blend and proportion of new oak remain the same each year?
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Australia / South Australia / Multiple regions
Also known as / Alternative names: Penfolds Wines
Update date: 2026-09-24
Multiple origins for one label
For both years, McLaren Vale, Coonawarra, Barossa Valley, Wrattonbully, and Padthaway are listed as sourcing regions. The Bin 389 label does not refer to a single vineyard. Distinguish between wines made from a single vineyard and those composed from multiple regions.
From 53:47 to 51:49
In 2021, the blend was 53% Cabernet Sauvignon and 47% Shiraz; in 2022, it was 51% and 49%, respectively. Even if the principal varieties are the same, their proportions change. Rather than memorize a single blend as typical for a country or producer, include the year to see how decisions evolve.
12 months of barrel aging as a commonality.
Both are aged for 12 months in American oak hogsheads. New oak comprises 37% in 2021 and 36% in 2022. Keep blend ratio and new oak percentage in separate tables to avoid confusion. A one-point difference alone does not determine aromatic intensity or quality.
The term 'Baby Grange'
According to the official documents, one reason for this nickname is that part of the wine is aged in barrels previously used for Grange in the previous year. However, sharing barrels does not mean using the same raw materials or blend. Do not assume that the nickname means it is the same wine as Grange; always read the materials that pertain to Bin 389 itself.
What to align and what to compare.
Regions
- Conditions to standardize
- Bin 389 for two years
- Conditions for comparison.
- Raw materials from multiple regions
- Additional points to confirm
- Do not mistake for single-vineyard.
Blending
- Conditions to standardize
- Cabernet and Shiraz
- Conditions for comparison.
- 53:47 and 51:49
- Additional points to confirm
- Add the vintage next to the number.
Barrel
- Conditions to standardize
- 12 months in American oak
- Conditions for comparison.
- 37% and 36% new barrels
- Additional points to confirm
- Barrel history is separate from the source material’s history.
Order of reading and key points to consider in each article
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READ · HYPOTHESIZE · RECONSIDER
Penfolds material analysis: blending Cabernet and Shiraz from multiple regions
Verify the ingredients and processes in the materials and consider reasons for differences.
The numbers are based on documentation from the indicated year, or the product description at the time of confirmation. Descriptions without a vintage do not guarantee specifications for all vintages.
| Comparison items | Bin 389 2021 | Bin 389 2022 |
|---|---|---|
| Cabernet / Shiraz | 53%／47% | 51%／49% |
| Barrel wood material. | American oak | American oak |
| Barrel aging. | 12 months | 12 months |
| New barrel | 37% | 36% |
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What is the blend for 2022?
The 51:49 ratio is for 2022; 53:47 is for 2021. The 36% figure is the proportion of new barrels in 2022, so be careful not to confuse this with the varietal ratio.
What production steps are shared in both years?
The barrel material and duration are the same, but the new barrel ratio and varietal mix change. By separating commonalities and differences into different items, you can organize both the continuity of a label and vintage differences.
What relationships can be confirmed from a nickname?
The official information describes the practice of reusing barrels. This does not imply identical raw materials or blends, and cannot be a basis for treating different lots as the same wine.
Basis and sources for the exercise
Practice exercises in comparison
Compare the raw materials and processes in the documentation, and explain the choices made by the producer.
Read examples of organizing comparisons
| Conditions for Comparison | Bin 389 2021 | Bin 389 2022 |
|---|---|---|
| Cabernet / Shiraz | 53%／47% | 51%／49% |
| Barrel wood material. | American oak | American oak |
| Barrel aging. | 12 months | 12 months |
| New barrel | 37% | 36% |
Sources of materials used for comparison are listed in the text and exercises.
Explain in your own words
List the figures that change in each year and the common conditions, then explain what the name 'Baby Grange' implies and what it does not.
Check after writing
- Did you differentiate between blend and barrel numbers?
- Did you recognize multiple origins?
- Are you guessing raw materials from a nickname?
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