Bin 707 Cabernet Sauvignon 2022 Lunar New Year Snake

Bin 707 is a perfect Cabernet Sauvignon representation of Penfolds ‘House Style’: intensely flavoured fruit; completion of fermentation and maturation in new oak; expressing a Penfolds understanding of multi-vineyard, multi-region fruit sourcing. Bin 707 was first vintaged in 1964. The wine was not made from 1970 to 1975 (when fruit was directed to other wines) nor in 1981, 1995, 2000, 2003, 2011, 2017 or 2020 (when fruit of the required style and quality was not available). Full-bodied and with proven cellaring potential, Bin 707 retains a secure place among the ranks of Australia’s finest Cabernets.

Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon out of 2022 — compared to 2021? There’s a good way to find out…The annual quandary — Cabernet Sauvignon classicism or Bin 707? In 2022 there’s no ‘or’. Time will tell.
Oak, extraction, tannins, freshness… the tweaking continues.– Peter Gago, Penfolds Chief Winemaker

AWARDS

98 Points - Ken Gargett

98 Points - Ray Jordan

97 Points - Tyson Stelzer

97 Points - Jeni Port, Winepilot

97 Points - Andrew Caillard MW

TASTING NOTES

Colour

Deep, foreboding, dark… purple-red.

Nose

Poured, swirled – persuasive Cabernet black olive, graphite and tapenade aromatics may initially relax Bin 707 style sceptics. Yet just when the guard is dropped, in creeps a scented wave of choc mint, Asian spices and sage/bay leaf botanicals.

Palate

All is convincingly redeemed on the palate. No stylistic retreat, yet engagingly a better understanding of what lies beneath … Texturally, a suppleness and tightness that is indeed profound. Fine long ripe tannins offer polish and a felt-like ‘attaque’. Perhaps trademark – a significant mid-palate and convincing length – synergising an amalgam of Cabernets (only) off the varied soils of Coonawarra/Barossa Valley/Padthaway/McLaren Vale. A base of ferrics and black-pudding/blood-sausage – laced with white milk-chocolate and red and black berry fruits. 100% new oak – thought about only when reminded. All Bin 707 boxes ticked, except one – time.