Penfolds, Bin 707 Cabernet Sauvignon - Australie 2022
Penfolds, 180 years of innovative winemaking.
Since 1844, Penfolds has been grounded in experimentation, curiosity and uncompromising quality. It is a pioneering spirit which still rings true after nearly two centuries, that has helped Penfolds become one of the most celebrated winemakers in the world today. Over its 180-year history, only four winemakers have helmed Penfolds, each serving as a steward of a distinctive philosophy and style—what we might refer to as the 'House style'.There is a strand of shared DNA throughout Penfolds family of wines, yet each clearly expresses its unique persona.
BIN 707, the quintessential expression of Cabernet Sauvignon by Penfolds.BIN 707 is to Cabernet Sauvignon what Grange is to Shiraz: a flawless representation of the grape varity according to Penfolds' distinctive signature. It originates from a meticulous grape selection process, sourced from Coonawara, the Barossa Valley, and Wrattonbully for the 2021 vintage. Named after the iconic Boeing 707 aircraft, it was first produced in 1964 and is crafted only when grape quality reaches its peak (over the past 10 years, two vintages are missing: 2017 and 2020). Consistently ranked among Australia's finest Cabernet Sauvignons, BIN 707 has garnered prestigious acclaim and exhibits aging potential akin to that of Grange.
The 2022 Vintage: 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.
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. Taking no prisoners — a good measure of soot/ironstone/sump oil blackness, and a floral headiness of iris and dried hibiscus. Yes, a full-on, uncamouflaged Bin 707 aromatic assault. Not for the meek. Unashamedly 100% Cabernet, 100% new oak, 100% Penfolds.
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 chocolate and red and black berry fruits. 100% new oak — thought about only when reminded. All Bin 707 boxes ticked, except one — time.