Most of us enjoy a full-bodied shiraz or cabernet sauvignon, as these grape varieties are beloved for their rich flavors and robust character. Whether you’re enjoying a glass on its own or pairing it with tasty food, these wines offer a great experience that appeals to many palates. However, a fascinating blend of these two renowned grapes deserves your attention: the Great Australian Red, cabernet shiraz. This exceptional combination harnesses the best qualities of both varietals. These wines are great to enjoy right away, but can also keep and age, as it gains complexity over time. If you’re looking to enhance your wine collection, this blend is definitely worth adding to your must-try list.
At a recent event in Manila, Penfolds brand ambassador Joshua Yim guided us on an exciting journey through the world of Penfolds’ renowned red blends. He introduced the crowd to the exquisite cabernet shiraz wines, which have helped solidify Penfolds’ reputation as a favorite among red wine lovers.
The cabernet shiraz blend has roots in Australia that date back to the late 1800s. However, it was Max Schubert, one of the country’s legendary winemakers and Penfolds’ first chief winemaker, who brought it to the world stage with his creation of the Grange. His inspiration came from a trip to Bordeaux in 1950, where he envisioned crafting wines with exceptional aging potential. Today, blending shiraz and cabernet Sauvignon remains a cherished tradition at Penfolds, showcasing the powerful essence of their multi-vineyard, multi-district blending philosophy.
Their Bin 389 Cabernet Shiraz, first produced in 1960, exemplifies a harmonious balance of fruit and oak, showcasing the generous mid-palate that Penfolds is famous for. Often referred to as “Baby Grange,” it gets this nickname partly because some components are matured in the same barrels that previously held Grange. Crafted using fully ripe, intensely flavored, and structured shiraz grapes, Grange is one of the world’s most celebrated wines and is officially recognized as a Heritage Icon of South Australia.
Its tasting notes reveal aromas of red fruits and pepper, followed by a sweet richness of chocolate and plump, ripe fruit. The wine exhibits good acidity, balanced tannins, and deep fruit flavors. As it finishes, oak tones emerge, adding another layer of complexity without overpowering the juicy fruit. This wine pairs beautifully with complex and rich red meat dishes, from Beef Wellington to beef burgers, as well as, grilled lamb and rich pasta dishes.
The Penfolds Bin 389 Cabernet Shiraz is priced at PHP5,300 and available at select fine wine retail shops in the Philippines. You can immediately enjoy any of their vintages for your next dinner or keep it and enjoy its aging potential.
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