Deep, dark and sumptuous, itÕs firm, layered and powerful, with a dense, meaty presence of blackberries, briar, currants and dark plums backed by nuances of dark chocolate, prunes and earthy influences. Gripped by an astringent spine of chalky tannins, itÕs uber-concentrated, impressively long and persistent. ItÕs not the most elegant or vibrant Bin 389, but its should meet cellaring expectations.

Oaky and shiraz-driven, this firm and rather extracted blend has a peppery bouquet of dark plums, cassis and blackberries handsomely backed by assertive notes of mocha and chocolate, smoked meats and a profound mintiness. Beefed up with oak and tannins, itÕs powerfully constructed with a drying, grippy spine beneath its moderately rich expression of fiery, meaty plum and berry flavours. It finishes with a faint thinness in mid palate and lingering notes of roast meats.

A finer-grained and more elegant Bin 389 that despite its obvious charm lacks the length and drive of the great vintages. Its distinctively floral, peppery and spicy perfume of pristine small dark berries and plums reveals smoky, cedary and chocolatey oak influences plus a hint of mineral. Firmish and full-bodied, itÕs supported by a fine, crunchy spine and unfolds a fiery core of cassis, plum and blackberry flavour that extends with pleasing but not remarkable length.

Polished, measured and evenly paced, this generously flavoured and classically robust 389 reveals a fiery, earthy, faintly minty bouquet of red berries, blood plums and sweet vanilla oak overlying suggestions of dark olives and roasting pan drippings. Its deep, almost plump core of black, red and blue fruit drives long and earthy over a firmish spine of fine, crunchy tannins, easily carrying its handsome but artfully balanced oak. Although already approachable and with no hard edges, itÕs a long-term classic.