2011 Penfolds Bin 407 Cabernet Sauvignon

17/20 Points - Julia Harding MW, Jancis Robinson

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 but intended to be more approachable. Cabernet  Sauvignon from McLaren Vale, Barossa Valley, Robe and Coonawarra. TA 6.6 g/l, pH 3.62. 12 months in 30% French oak (100% new) and 70% American Oak (20% new). Bin 707 was made but not released in 2011 so this wine had benefited from some parcels that would have gone into the 707.

Dark and so purely Cabernet on the nose. Refined, pure cassis with just a touch of cassis leaf. Just a little cedary too. Refined, powder-fine but quite compact tannins., giving them a chewiness. Long and Cabernet-clean finish. Elegant freshness. (JH)