Decanter.com
par TINA GELLIE le 27/06/2023
As with the multi-region Bin 707, the Coonawarra-only Bin 169 returns in 2021 after a year of absence due to fruit quality in 2020 not being up to par. And what a return it is in this near-perfect vintage for Coonawarra, demonstrating why this region is so fêted for Cabernet Sauvignon. More on an elegant red-fruit spectrum than the dense, dark black berries of Bin 707, this is correspondingly lithe and lifted, with exotic notes of potpourri, blue ink, fresh mint tea and liquorice joining concentrated boysenberry, pomegranate, cigar box spice, and firm but fine coffee tannins. Very complex and layered with a welcome light hand on the oak: 16 months in French hogsheads, 51% new. Exceptional this vintage, speaks strongly of its terroir and represents a great buy for the price. To be released globally via the Place de Bordeaux in March 2024 at £175.