Dr. Owen Bargreen

9.7

The 'Bin 707' Cabernet Sauvignon is an utterly captivating wine from Penfolds. In 2016 it saw considerable time (20 months) in new American oak prior to bottling. The result is a monumental wine, which slowly begins to open after extended air contact, revealing a complex aromatic profile of toasty oak, black tea, anise, crème de cassis and cigar box, which all come together in the glass. This full-bodied, moderately tannic red, takes on a gorgeous seamless quality as it glides beautifully across the palate, leaving behind layers of creosote, mocha, cigar ash and creme de cassis flavors. Rich and decadent, this continues to impress with its fantastic overall structure, depth and concentration that persists through the long finish. The 2016 is an absolutely majestic wine that will require significant time to develop and readers should plan on allowing this at least least another two years of bottle age before even considering approaching it. Nonetheless, this is a magnificent Cabernet which should go on to age gracefully for many years to come. Drink 2019-2045-97 — 3 days ago

Bob McDonald

9.6

Aromas of coffee grounds, cassis, plum and a touch of mint and Dark Chocolate - Descriptors from both the Cabernet and Shiraz components. Soft and supple yet with an inner strength. One of the best examples of Australia’s classic Cabernet Shiraz blends - up there with Penfolds Bin 389. A day later still drinking well - actually better if anything. Lovely balance, really good with a better score of 96 points. — 8 days ago

Neil Valenzuela

9.3

Deep ruby color. Aromas of blackberry, mocha, black currant and baking spices. Decanted for 6 hours, really opened up this wine. Delicate blackberry jam flavors, loads of fruit, soft vanilla notes. — 20 days ago

Bill Bender

9.7

Holy F!! This was just firing on every single cylinder. Bright red and black fruits that are so ripe and delicious. Balsamic reduction, bacon, tar, iron, earthy goodness and a silky baby bottom smooth finish. A real wow wine. Co WOTN for me. Crickey!! @Michael Meyer this was a treat. — 2 months ago

Shay A

9.3

The winemaker from Cape Mentelle was touring through TX and stopped by Classic Wine Storage for a quick tasting.

Cool climate Cabernet from Australia. Coastal influence. This felt like a balance between left bank Bordeaux (leather, herbal) and Napa (ripe fruit). It was pretty tannic and one dimensional up front but after an hour it mellowed out and settled in to a nice Cabernet. “Only” 14ABV, which feels like a win from Australia. Plum, dark cocoa, ripe blackberry, cassis and a very “soft”/fuzzy finish that I was struggling to identify. Unique. — 6 days ago

with Dan and Mark

Clive McNish

9.6

Here’s a nice surprise. Found this on a restaurant wine list at $275 and thought it was a great opportunity to access the big one. Yes I know that 1993 is not regarded as a classic year but I can’t justify the $600 plus for ‘better’ vintages.

The bottle was in perfect condition and had been stored well with a full neck fill. On opening, the cork was in great condition and the aromas from the bottle were fantastic, pure Shiraz with heavy blackcurrant, diesel, tar, liquorice, menthol and a little raisin. Decanted twice to clear off the fine sediment and then let it rest.

Tried the wine after a few minutes and it was smooth but a little tight on the finish, hard to believe this is 24 years old. Two hours later and all of the flavours had come to life on the palate with great silkiness, a punch of fruit, vanilla, cigar, mint and caramel.

This is getting better and better as the afternoon goes on and it has been such a treat to try. Most reviews say it is almost at the end of its drinking window but I think there’s a few more left in this, it’s beautifully mature but feels strong and elegant, no signs of weakening.

Better start saving for the next one. — a month ago

Robert Rothfield

9.7

Incredible nose that attracts attention from across the room. With a little air it is like an afterburner opens up with layer upon layer of bright blue fruit, electric flavors and silky tannins...just WOW — 13 days ago

Scott Soren

9.5

Ah, when i bought this 8 years ago it was a wonderful yet gritty Syrah with massive tannins. Now, there’s a pure elegance like well made Sonoma Syrah. Awesome. Even keeled from front to back. Would never tire drinking this. — 12 days ago

Shay A

9.0

The winemaker from Cape Mentelle was touring through TX and stopped by Classic Wine Storage for a quick tasting.

This was served too cold at first. It was like biting in to an underripe Granny Smith Apple. Lots of tartness with a touch of sweetness. Grapefruit and melon showed up after it warmed in the glass. Finish rounded out too. — 6 days ago

with Dan and Mark

Scott Taddeo

9.4

/ The wine forces you to take note immediately; aromatic and so pure with orange blossom, ripe citrus as well as a beautiful slaty, stoniness. On the palate the wine is much like the nose with just a touch of tangerine and fresh white nectarine in the mix also. The wine is so pure & focussed with a great acid line, that is lip-smacking and a touch salty. Would pair a dream sitting seaside with some grilled shellfish in a ginger and lemongrass marinade 🍤 — 11 days ago