Penfolds, Bin 707 Cabernet Sauvignon 2021, Australia

£375.00 per bottle

ABV 14.5%

COLOUR
An impenetrable/dense blackness, reluctantly reddening on the rim (i.e. in March 2023!)

NOSE
Essence of Bin 707, yet neither over-concentrated nor laboured. Textbook/classic. Fresh/lively – leaps out of the glass. All mandatories noted - blackcurrant/cassis/mulberry/cooked black plum … avec freshly picked black Negronne fig, plus a ‘blackness’ hovering atop. Spices? But of course – nutmeg and a Moroccan-derived assortment. In this context was a deconstructed dukkah mentioned - cumin, coriander, sesame? Oak? Possibly camouflaged via scents of ground coconut rough and brandy snap, toasted sourdough, with a little dark chocolate for good measure. A swirl, some air, and a little time in glass quickly reminds that this is ever so much more than just a red wine made from cabernet!

PALATE
Engulfing/lush. Powerful - propelled by a wave of fruits - fresh mulberry, fig, Goji berry, raspberry, fresh blackcurrant. And licorice. Pondering derivation - cocoa powder, pastry (cinnamon scroll/bun), crusted/roasted beef? No matter, detected. Ripe and firm, glossy tannins frame many layers, including those that appear to stand above (levitating to another realm!). A textural creaminess, sumptuousness - possibly by way of oak? Noted that oak was not mentioned during tasting – implying seamless integration. Really? But it’s 100% new!