Penfolds 2023 Allocation is here!

96 Points - Tyson Stelzer
96 Points - Jamie Goode
96 Points - Ray Jordan, Wine Pilot
96 Points - Dave Brookes, Wine Pilot
96 Points - Tina Gellie, Decanter 
"Inspired by Bin 707, this cuvee, first launched in 1993 with the 1990 vintage, demonstrates Penfolds' multi-regional blending philosophy even further by also including Cabernet Sauvignon grapes McLaren Vale, Padthaway and Adelaide Hills, but dialling down from the oak - here 12 months in French oak (25% new) and American (12% new) hogheads. A supremely cool and classy wine this vintage whose perfume seduces from the off. Gorgeous, layered aromas and rich flavours of blackforest gateaux, rosemary, pencil lead, boysenberries, violets and exotic tabacco. Lovely cleansing acidity presents any heaviness, and the oak sits in the background, adding a quiet cedar tone and a superfine tannin structure. Hard to resist now, but will mature beautifully, The best value wine in the range - a no-brainer at this price" 

Commercial description
"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 with structure and depth of flavour. Textbook cabernet sauvignon, the varietally expressive Bin 407 highlights the rewards of Penfolds multi-region, multivineyard blending, with a core of ripe fruit supported by sensitive use of French and American oak.

VINEYARD REGION Coonawarra, Wrattonbully, McLaren Vale, Padthaway, Barossa Valley, Adelaide Hills
WINE ANALYSIS Alc/Vol: 14.5%, Acidity: 6.3 g/L, pH: 3.67
MATURATION 12 months in French (25% new) and American (12% new) oak hogsheads, with the balance in 1-y.o. French and American oak hogsheads

VINTAGE CONDITIONS Coonawarra, Wrattonbully and Padthaway all had a favourable start to the growing season. Spring was notably warm, November especially, up +3°C on the long-term average. Coonawarra experienced seven days of minimum temperatures 35°C. 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.

OLOUR Crimson red NOSE 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. PALATE 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."

PEAK DRINKING 2025 – 2055