2013 Penfolds "Bin 407" Cabernet Sauvignon South Australia

Professional Reviews

Staff Reviews

DO

David Othenin-Girard

David Othenin-Girard

This monster cabernet is one of the finest choices for anyone looking to build a cellar. It has legs to last decades but you won't have to wait decades to start drinking! This wine trounces the big American Cabs that you probably know and love, pummels Caymus, laps Lewis, and puts many more of Napa's finest to downright shame. It is nonetheless relatively affordable in comparison. Penfold's has a track record of making impeccable wine that drinks beautifully for years and years, you just can't deny yourself that opportunity. Don't expect the bombastic sweet fruit of some other Southern Australian producers, here we have Cabernet that really tastes that way. Classically produced and impeccably designed, it's a stunner, big and bold, but with no caveats.

RW

Ryan Woodhouse

Ryan Woodhouse

I said at the beginning of 2016 Aussie Cabernet would be a focus for me this year. Other notable critics have also written about the fantastic quality of Cab coming out of Australia that is in large part known more for its Shiraz. Well...here is a prime example from Penfolds who have been growing and making Aussie cabernet since at least 1885. Yes 1885. This Bin was introduced almost 30 years ago as a benchmark multi-regional blend showing off the best South Australian Cabernet in a style that can be approached as a young wines but can also be cellared for 10+ years. Classic Cab characters of black / blue fruit, cassis, blackcurrant, forest berries, cigar box, cedar and scorched earth components. The fruit is dense but noble tannins give defined structure and shape. The wine has a vibrant freshness thanks I'm sure to the Coonawarra limestone component. A big, bold wine but one that is also refined and precisely balanced. A great example of how Australia can produce big name, world class Cabernet at under $50.

Notes

Winemaker's Notes: "Launched with the 1990 vintage in 1993, Bin 407 was developed in response to the increasing availability of high quality Cabernet Sauvignon fruit. Inspired by Bin 707, Bin 407 offers varietal definition and approachability, yet still with structure and depth of flavour. Textbook Cabernet Sauvignon, the varietally expressive Bin 407 highlights the rewards of Penfolds multi-region, multi-vineyard blending, with a core of ripe fruit supported by sensitive use of French and American oak. 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from McLaren Vale, Padthaway, Coonawarra, Wrattonbully, and Barossa Valley. Bright garnet in colour. The nose shows savoury spices (paprika, curry leaf) with beetroot, blackcurrant conserve and cassis varietal markers regally ascend. Less noble yet endearing wafts of Mediterranean meat(s)-on-a-spit, and a suggestion of oak/char. No herbaceousness, tomato-leaf or black olive or graphite immediately evident - however, darkened tarry and bitumen aromas abound. on the palate - tight, solid, assertive; handles the oak well. Impressive mid-palate adorned with pronounced Cabernet tannins and a refreshing acidity. Reassuring flavours including black olive and pomegranate alongside a fanciful impression of carpaccio slivers of seared venison. A (powdery) sprinkling of cocoa powder, mocha, shaved bitter chocolate and walnut husk adds further interest."