Penfolds Bin 707 Cabernet Sauvignon 2023 (Gift Boxed)

“Deep, impenetrable crimson hues. Macerated dark plum, blackberry aromas with layers of baking spices and crushed herbs, dark chocolate, earth, leather and boot polish. A celebration of Penfolds new oak mastery… elevated by peppermint, sage and spice providing aromatic lift and balanced by light charcuterie savoury notes.

An atypical 707, no Coonawarra in 2023, and perhaps just lacking a little poise and presence as a result. Dark berries, plenty of cedar and spice. Fleshy, waxy, not quite as finely etched as others might be.

This stellar Cabernet sources its fruit from Coonawarra, Barossa and Wrattonbully. It spent 16 months in new American oak hogsheads. An opaque maroon colour, there are notes of dusty red earth here. Chocolate and tobacco leaves, soy, dried herbs, florals and aniseed. Hints of animal skins add to the complexity. There is serious intensity and focus, exemplary balance. With time in the glass, notes of both red and black fruits become ever more dominant, primarily blackcurrants and raspberries, backed by a slippery texture and satiny tannins with real persistence on a very long finish. Finesse and power. The nose is gorgeous, the palate even better. A twenty year proposition. 14.5% alc

A young and characteristic expression of cabernet bursting with crushed violets, freshly squeezed cassis, pencil shave, spearmint, and extra dark chocolate, coconut husk, all playing their keynotes in unison, like expert fingers on the piano. On one side, there is a level of exotic and floral allure, with notes of incense, essential oils, and dried lavender; on the other, an Old World‑like reminder of cooking herbs, garrigue, and rolled tobacco leaf. Yet unashamedly Australian all the way through. You can savour and touch each and every element on the palate, thanks to the continuity of fruit, the vibrancy, balance, presence and weight of the tannins. It will last decades while already showing a great deal.

Such a bold statement of new American oak seems somehow old‑fashioned in this day and age of Australian cabernet, and yet there is a comfortable assurance about the inimitable Bin 707 model, promising that the woodwork will find its place with sufficient patience. The purity and precision of cassis and blackcurrant fruit on display is something to behold. In inimitable Bin 707 form, new American oak rises to the auspicious occasion, propelling and uplifting to mighty effect and monumental tannin impact. Fruit and oak sit apart for now, but each in their rightful place, and, as ever, promise great things indeed in a very long time to come. Line and length of the highest order confirm it will go the distance without the slightest doubt.