Penfolds Bin 407 Cabernet Sauvignon 2017
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, multi-vineyard blending, with a core of ripe fruit supported by sensitive use of French and American oak.
Colour
Garnet red
Nose
An aromatic umbrella sheltering all things cabernet.
An immediate ascent of violet, mulberry leaf – laced with star anise, cinnamon, orange zest.
Followed by varietal wafts of tomato ketchup, soy, iodine, and oddly, a Chinese spice/stock marinade.
Not yet exiting this theme - sweet plum sauce, hoisin and roast duck crackling trepidatiously follows.
Palate
Immediately more Tuscan than Bordeaux in cabernet character. Nevertheless, still very (South) Australian.
Savoury, with a sour cherry grip ... and subtle cherry pip oak influence.
Mouth-watering and succulent, yet still linear – tempered by appetising angular tannins. Darker fruits and green Spanish (stuffed) olive flavours further define the vintage, style.
Neither a 2010 nor 2016 ... and not trying to be!