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.
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!
Balanced, complete, latent.
Peak Drinking
2026 – 2050
Wine Profile
Country: Australia
Region: Coonawarra, Barossa Valley, Wrattonbully
Grape Varieties: Cabernet Sauvignon
Wine Type: Red Wine
Vintage: 2021
Variant: 750ml
Alcohol by Volume: 14.5%