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 possessing structure and rich depth of flavour. Textbook cabernet sauvignon, the expressive Bin 407 demonstrates the reward of Penfolds multi-regional blending philosophy. A core of ripe fruit is well supported by sensitive use of French and American oak.
Varietal | Cabernet Sauvignon |
---|---|
Vintage | 2021 |
Country | Australia |
Region | Multi-Region Blend |
Volume | 750 mL |
Closure | Screw Cap |
Alc/Vol | 14.5% |
Peak Drinking | 2025 – 2055 |
96 Points | Tyson Stelzer |
96 Points | Tina Gellie |
96 Points | Jamie Goode |
96 Points | Ray Jordan |
96 Points | Dave Brookes |
18.5+ Points | Matthew Jukes |
"Peter Gago says 2021 and 2022 were two of the best vintages in Coonawarra since 1990 and 1991, and Bin 407 has risen to the occasion with a combination of definition, structure and concentration that immediately establish it among the greatest and most enduring in the grand history of this label. This is a textbook assemblage of all of cabernet’s classic hallmarks, with an incredible core of blackcurrant purity, set to a brilliant display of pronounced chalk mineral tannin finesse and vibrant cool season acid drive. It will live a very long time indeed."
"A beautiful expression of Cabernet Sauvignon that’s ripe, but which retains its varietal identity and also a sense of balance. Lovely blackcurrant fruit with fine-grained tannins and good structure, with some blackcurrant bud, some tar and some cedar spice. Really well integrated and quite delicious. Should also age well – 96 points"
Inspired by Bin 707, this cuvée, first launched in 1993 with the 1990 vintage, demonstrates Penfolds' multi-regional blending philosophy even further by also including Cabernet Sauvignon grapes from McLaren Vale, Padthaway and Adelaide Hills, but dialling down the oak – here 12 months in French (25% new) and American (12% new) hogsheads. A supremely cool and classy wine this vintage whose perfume seduces from the off. Gorgeous, layered aromas and rich flavours of blackforest gateau, rosemary, pencil lead, boysenberries, violets and exotic tobacco. Lovely cleansing acidity prevents any heaviness, and the oak sits in the background, adding a quiet cedar tone and a superfine tannin structure. Hard to resist now, but it will mature beautifully. The best-value wine of the range – a no-brainer at this price. 96 points
Compelling, attention grabbing. Varietally correct, all the T’s crossed and I’s dotted. There is a lot to decipher here. First, heady aromatics of violets, blackberry and mulberries. Cherry clafoutis, blood plums, brioche. Next to emerge are the leafy, herbaceous notes, perfectly rendered without any suggestion of under ripeness. Mulberry leaf, bay leaf, wet tobacco/cigar box add further intrigue. Classic English baking spices lurk quietly in the background.
After the aromatic impression, one might expect a forbidding palate. Not so. It’s remarkably approachable, yet clearly built for a long spell in the dungeon.
The cool dark fruits are very concentrated and varietal. The leafy notes on the nose morph into char-grilled savoury flavours of grilled capsicum and cumin spiced eggplant, infused by sandalwood and cherry wood smoke. The tannins are graphite-like, fine but reassuringly persistent, with a faint suggestion of bitter dark chocolate. At the time of tasting the wine is very energetic, dancing the tango at full tempo. Don’t expect a slow waltz anytime soon. One for the long haul.
Coonawarra, Wrattonbully and Padthaway all had a favourable start to the growing season. McLaren Vale also enjoyed a relatively mild growing season. Veraison was late and that pushed harvest into March. The Barossa Valley growing season was also relatively mild with long dry spells. The Adelaide Hills region was also hit by “dry July”, but well managed blocks produced some exceptional parcels of cabernet sauvignon. Overall, the summer and autumn conditions were cooler than average, allowing grapes to ripen slowly and evenly. Except for a few wet days in February, the predicted La Niña conditions failed to materialise. An outstanding vintage for South Australian cabernet sauvignon.
Key to the success of Penfolds has been a lineage of visionary winemakers. There have only ever been four Chief Winemakers at the helm of Penfolds – Max Schubert, Don Ditter, John Duval and Peter Gago, each a custodian of a rich winemaking tradition that goes back for more than 170 years.
Our current Penfolds winemaking team has more than 100 years between them as Penfolds winemakers. They are constantly refining and improving their work, whilst honouring the winemaking techniques of their predecessors.