97/100
5 Stars
Huon Hooke
Deep, youthful, bright colour. An explosive bouquet of mocha, dark fruits, toasty oak, smoked-oysters and raisin bread. Chocolate and espresso coffee. A typical Penfolds red but of a very high order, and this bottle is in immaculate condition. At 23 years it looks to have at least another 10 to 15 years in it. A remarkable, outstanding wine. (NB. My last note, in 2007, is way out of date)
Tasted: 13/04/2021
Drink: 2021 to 2031
89 Points Robert Parker
The 1998 Cabernet Sauvignon/Shiraz Bin 389's dense saturated purple color is accompanied by an excellent bouquet of blackberries, licorice, and earth. In the mouth, it is a plush, fat, luscious, full-bodied effort with considerable appeal. Loaded with fruit and glycerin, this pure wine should drink well for 7-8 years.
Source: Robert Parker (Robert Parker Wine Advocate) by Robert M. Parker, Jr. June, 2001
94 Points James Halliday
Full red-purple; dense, dark berry, dark chocolate, and savoury/spicy aromas are a backdrop for a palate full of cassis, blackberry and chocolate supported by a great depth of ripe tannins. Needs a decade to really start strutting its stuff, but will undoubtedly do so. Drink to 2020.
James Halliday. July, 2021
The 1998 Cabernet Sauvignon/Shiraz Bin 389's dense saturated purple color is accompanied by an excellent bouquet of blackberries, licorice, and earth. In the mouth, it is a plush, fat, luscious, full-bodied effort with considerable appeal. Loaded with fruit and glycerin, this pure wine should drink well for 7-8 years. Source: Robert Parker (Wine Advocate) June, 2001 by Robert Parker