PenfoldsBin 407 Cabernet Sauvignon 2021

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. Released at £75.

"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.

The 2021 Penfolds Bin 407 Cabernet Sauvignon comes from Coonawarra, Wrattonbully, McLaren Vale, Padthaway, Barossa Valley, and Adelaide Hills and it was aged in a mix of American oak (12% new) and French oak (25% new). It has a deep garnet-purple color and soars out of the glass with flamboyant notes of black cherry compote, dried mint, blackberry preserves, and warm cassis, plus hints of tobacco leaf, graphite, and iron ore. The full-bodied palate shimmers with energy, delivering a racy backbone and fine-grained tannins, finishing on lingering red berry and minty notes.

The 2021 Bin 407 Cabernet Sauvignon is from Coonawarra, Wrattonbully, McLaren Vale, Padthaway, Barossa Valley and Adelaide Hills. As I smelled this, I thought, "Gee, this smells good!" Usually, I find the presence of American oak to be distracting and ill-matched to the leafy, detailed Cabernet fruit. Here, there has been a significant proportion of French oak (25% new) and a lesser proportion of American oak (12% new oak). You get dark chocolate, berry compote, resin, stewed rhubarb, cassis, crème de menthe, soft-eating licorice and black olive tapenade. All regions have a warm climate, with the exception of Adelaide Hills, of course. In this cooler year, the fruit is mouth-filling without being heavy. Saturating. Lovely. Creamy. Big! Excellent.