Penfolds Red Wine: Grange, St Henri & Bin 28 Explained

Penfolds Red Wine: Grange, St Henri, Bin 28 and More

Few names are as closely associated with Australian wine as Penfolds.

With a history stretching back to 1844, Penfolds has produced some of Australia's most recognised red wines, from the legendary Grange to St Henri Shiraz and the familiar Bin-numbered range.

But choosing a Penfolds red wine isn't simply a question of buying the most expensive bottle.

Each wine has its own character, winemaking approach and place within the Penfolds collection.

Some are rich and powerful, others are more restrained, and not every bottle is intended for decades of cellaring.

Understanding those differences makes choosing the right Penfolds wine much easier.

The History of Penfolds: From 1844 to Grange

The Penfolds story began in 1844 when Dr Christopher Rawson Penfold and his wife Mary established their vineyard at Magill Estate, near Adelaide.

While Christopher's medical career became increasingly demanding, Mary played a significant role in developing the winery, experimenting with winemaking and helping build the business.

The company's early production included fortified wines, before its reputation gradually developed around table wines.

One of the most important chapters came with winemaker Max Schubert.

After travelling to France in 1950 and studying the wines of Bordeaux, Schubert returned to Australia with an ambitious idea: to create an Australian red wine capable of developing for at least 20 years.

The first experimental Penfolds Grange was produced in 1951.

The project initially met resistance, and Schubert continued working on the wine in secret after senior management ordered production to cease.

Eventually, Grange's potential became apparent, and Penfolds formally resumed its production in 1960.

Today, Grange remains one of Australia's most internationally recognised fine wines.

But it's only one part of the Penfolds story.

What Makes Penfolds Red Wine Different?

One of the defining features of Penfolds is its approach to blending.

Many wine producers focus on individual vineyards or specific wine regions.

Penfolds has also built a reputation around selecting fruit from different vineyards and regions to achieve a recognisable wine style.

This is particularly important for wines such as Grange, Bin 389 and Bin 28.

Other Penfolds wines take a different approach. RWT, for example, focuses on Barossa Valley Shiraz, while the style of St Henri is partly defined by its distinctive oak maturation.

The result is a collection of wines that express different aspects of Australian winemaking.

Not every Penfolds red wine tastes alike, and that diversity is something worth understanding before buying.

Six Penfolds Red Wines Worth Knowing

Here's a simple overview of some of the most important wines in the collection.

These descriptions are general. Vintage conditions and winemaking decisions can influence each release.

1. Penfolds Grange — The Australian Wine Icon

Grange is arguably the most famous wine in the Penfolds collection.

Created by Max Schubert in 1951, it represents an ambitious approach to Australian red winemaking.

Grange is primarily based on intensely flavoured Shiraz, with a style associated with concentrated fruit, structure, complexity and maturation in American oak.

It has developed an international reputation for longevity and has become a sought-after wine among collectors.

But Grange isn't necessarily the right bottle for every occasion.

It's an expensive wine with a distinctive style, and different vintages can have different drinking windows.

If you're considering buying Grange, particularly an older vintage, provenance and storage history matter enormously.

It's a wine worth understanding before making a significant purchase.

2. Penfolds Bin 389 — The Famous Cabernet Shiraz Blend

Bin 389 was first produced in 1960 and has become one of Penfolds' best-known red blends.

It's sometimes nicknamed "Baby Grange".

That nickname partly reflects its connection to the oak barrels previously used for Grange, rather than meaning the two wines are identical.

Bin 389 combines Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz.

Cabernet contributes structure and dark-fruit character, while Shiraz can bring richness, spice and generosity.

The balance between the varieties can change with each vintage.

For someone who enjoys structured Australian red wine, Bin 389 is an important label to know.

It's also a reminder of how significant Cabernet Shiraz blends are in Australia's winemaking history.

3. Penfolds St Henri Shiraz — A Different Approach

St Henri is one of the most distinctive wines in the Penfolds collection.

Unlike Grange, which is closely associated with American oak maturation, St Henri is traditionally matured in large, seasoned oak vats.

This approach limits the influence of new oak, allowing the fruit and structure to take centre stage.

St Henri can be rich and substantial, but its character is different from the oak-driven style some people associate with premium Australian Shiraz.

It also has a history of developing complexity with bottle age, although the drinking window depends on the vintage.

For people exploring serious Australian Shiraz, St Henri offers an interesting contrast to Grange and other Penfolds releases.

At Wine Simple, we currently offer Penfolds St Henri Shiraz 2023.

4. Penfolds Bin 28 Shiraz — The Classic Starting Point

Bin 28 is one of the most recognisable wines in the Penfolds Bin range.

First produced in 1959 using fruit from the Kalimna vineyard in the Barossa Valley, it later developed into a multi-regional Shiraz.

Bin 28 typically represents a generous, warm-climate Australian Shiraz style.

Depending on the vintage, you might encounter dark berry fruit, plum, spice and a substantial texture.

It's an appealing introduction to Penfolds for someone who enjoys richer Australian red wines.

It also offers a useful comparison with St Henri.

While both are Shiraz, their winemaking approaches and expressions are different.

Explore Penfolds Bin 28 Shiraz at Wine Simple.

5. Penfolds RWT Bin 798 — Barossa Shiraz With French Oak

RWT stands for Red Winemaking Trial.

The wine was developed as a different expression of premium Penfolds Shiraz, with its first vintage produced in 1997.

Unlike the multi-regional approach associated with Grange, RWT focuses on Barossa Valley Shiraz and maturation in French oak.

Its style is generally associated with generous fruit, fine tannins and a polished texture.

RWT demonstrates that even within the premium Penfolds Shiraz range, different winemaking approaches can produce quite distinct results.

It's another label worth knowing when comparing Australian Shiraz styles.

6. Penfolds Bin 23 Pinot Noir — A Lighter Red

Not all Penfolds red wines are full-bodied Shiraz or Cabernet blends.

Bin 23 Pinot Noir offers a lighter-bodied alternative within the collection.

Named after Cellar 23 at Magill Estate, the wine reflects Penfolds' work with cool-climate Pinot Noir.

Typical characteristics of this style can include cherry, red berries, floral notes, fresh acidity and fine tannins.

For someone who enjoys lighter red wines, Bin 23 offers a different entry point into the Penfolds range.

It's also worth considering if you're buying for someone who prefers Pinot Noir over richer Australian reds.

Explore Penfolds Bin 23 Pinot Noir at Wine Simple.

What Do Penfolds Bin Numbers Mean?

Penfolds Bin numbers have their origins in the company's historic cellar storage system.

The term refers to the identification and location of wines in the cellars.

For example, Bin 28 began as a Shiraz associated with the Kalimna vineyard, while Bin 23 takes its name from Cellar 23 at Magill Estate.

The numbers aren't a simple quality ranking.

A higher Bin number doesn't automatically mean a more expensive, more prestigious or better wine.

Each label has its own history and style.

Understanding that distinction can be helpful when exploring the Penfolds range for the first time.

How to Choose the Right Penfolds Red Wine

Rather than starting with price or reputation, consider the style you enjoy.

If you love rich Australian Shiraz:

Bin 28 is a useful starting point, particularly if you enjoy generous fruit and a fuller-bodied style.

If you want a more distinctive Shiraz expression:

Explore St Henri and learn how its maturation in large, seasoned oak vats influences the style.

If you prefer a structured Cabernet Shiraz blend:

Bin 389 is an important wine to know, particularly if you appreciate both Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz.

If you prefer lighter red wines:

Bin 23 Pinot Noir offers an alternative to the powerful red wines for which Penfolds is often recognised.

If you're considering a collectible or significant gift:

Grange and other premium Penfolds wines deserve careful research into the specific vintage, condition, provenance and drinking window.

The most appropriate bottle depends on the person drinking it, not simply the label.

Penfolds Red Wine and Food Pairing

Different Penfolds styles suit different meals.

These are starting points rather than fixed rules.

The sauce, seasoning and cooking method can be just as important as the main ingredient.

For example, a delicate chicken dish may suit Pinot Noir, while something richer could benefit from a more substantial red wine.

Can Penfolds Red Wines Be Cellared?

Many Penfolds wines have an established reputation for ageing, particularly Grange, St Henri and certain Bin releases.

But it would be a mistake to assume every Penfolds red wine improves with age.

Ageing potential depends on the individual wine, vintage, structure, balance and storage conditions.

Some bottles may be enjoyable relatively early, while others are made with extended cellaring in mind.

Older bottles also require careful consideration of provenance and previous storage.

If you're planning to hold a special Penfolds wine for several years, check the producer's drinking recommendations and make sure you have suitable storage.

For practical advice, read our guide to storing wine without a cellar.

Where to Buy Penfolds Red Wine in Australia

At Wine Simple, we offer a personally selected range of Penfolds wines alongside boutique Australian producers.

Our range changes as vintages sell through and new releases become available.

If you're exploring Penfolds red wine, start with the bottles currently available rather than assuming every famous label is in stock.

You can explore our Penfolds collection, or browse all Australian red wines.

If you're choosing a special bottle, a gift or something to cellar, ask Matt for a recommendation.

Tell me what you've enjoyed before, your budget and when you're planning to open the wine.

FAQ: Penfolds Red Wine

What is Penfolds' most famous red wine?

Penfolds Grange is its most internationally recognised red wine. First produced experimentally in 1951 by Max Schubert, it has become an Australian fine-wine icon.

What is the difference between Penfolds Bin 28 and St Henri?

Both are Shiraz, but they have different styles and maturation approaches. Bin 28 typically showcases generous warm-climate Shiraz, while St Henri is matured in large, seasoned oak vats to minimise the influence of new oak.

Why is Penfolds Bin 389 called Baby Grange?

The nickname partly comes from its connection to oak barrels previously used for Grange. Bin 389 is a Cabernet Shiraz blend with its own distinctive character, rather than a smaller version of Grange.

Does a higher Penfolds Bin number mean better wine?

No. Bin numbers originated from Penfolds' historic cellar identification system. They aren't a straightforward rating or quality ranking.

Are all Penfolds red wines Shiraz?

No. Although Penfolds is closely associated with Shiraz, its red wine range also includes Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Shiraz blends and Pinot Noir.

Is Penfolds red wine worth cellaring?

Some Penfolds wines have considerable ageing potential, but not every bottle is designed for extended cellaring. Check the individual wine and vintage, its recommended drinking window and your storage conditions before deciding.