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
97 Points 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 My last note, in 2007, is way out of date) Drink 2021 - 2031.
Huon Hooke, The Real Review. April, 2021
89 Points Hooke
Minty berry nose; clean, tight and firm; very brisk and lively; a bit tough? Slightly black olive and sump-oil. Stern, grippy. Drink now to 15 years. Tannins perhaps shouldn't still be so dominant at this age. A whopper.
Huon Hooke, The Real Review. September, 2007
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