Penfolds
Bin 407 Cabernet Sauvignon
South Australia, Australia
I don’t have much experience with the Bin 407 from Penfolds compared to others in the portfolio, but I was curious to see how this was drinking at 20yrs after recently getting locally for a steal.
100% Cabernet Sauvignon
Even knowing this is cab, I still expected a Penfolds Shiraz type aromatic, and while I didn’t exactly get that, the American Oak in the background alongside the ripe fruit do help bring Penfolds semi in to focus. This needed about 90mins in bottle to wake up…initially I was concerned I had missed a window as it was very stewed and fig dominant (not much fruit). The American Oak notes started appearing (faint coconut and dill) and then high toned red fruits. After 90mins, the palate bulked up and showed some black fruits, cassis, espresso, and even some Andes mint at the finish. Plenty of tannin too.
I’d open soon if you have any left, but give it some time to wake up. (Yes, the ‘94 Monte Bello was insanely good, as was the still young ‘06 Unico).
I don’t have much experience with the Bin 407 from Penfolds compared to others in the portfolio, but I was curious to see how this was drinking at 20yrs after recently getting locally for a steal.
100% Cabernet Sauvignon
Even knowing this is cab, I still expected a Penfolds Shiraz type aromatic, and while I didn’t exactly get that, the American Oak in the background alongside the ripe fruit do help bring Penfolds semi in to focus. This needed about 90mins in bottle to wake up…initially I was concerned I had missed a window as it was very stewed and fig dominant (not much fruit). The American Oak notes started appearing (faint coconut and dill) and then high toned red fruits. After 90mins, the palate bulked up and showed some black fruits, cassis, espresso, and even some Andes mint at the finish. Plenty of tannin too.
I’d open soon if you have any left, but give it some time to wake up. (Yes, the ‘94 Monte Bello was insanely good, as was the still young ‘06 Unico).
Great!
Very rich. Better without food or something very very rich.
Earthy
Great!
Very rich. Better without food or something very very rich.
Earthy
A touch disappointed with this showing. It's a reasonable example, but far from what I enjoyed 10 years ago. Nothing special to share on this. Not even gonna share this with wifey - she will certainly spit her pacifier out if she tasted it.
A touch disappointed with this showing. It's a reasonable example, but far from what I enjoyed 10 years ago. Nothing special to share on this. Not even gonna share this with wifey - she will certainly spit her pacifier out if she tasted it.
Nov 11th, 2016
A lot more oak than I remember... paired well with the wild boar stew and 7” of fresh snow outside... not quite a pop and pour but couldn’t wait to eat
A lot more oak than I remember... paired well with the wild boar stew and 7” of fresh snow outside... not quite a pop and pour but couldn’t wait to eat
Jan 22nd, 2018
Found this gem. Decanted for an hour and it was perfect. One of those wines that made you think to yourself, "This is what great wine is supposed to taste like. This is why we go to all this trouble."
Found this gem. Decanted for an hour and it was perfect. One of those wines that made you think to yourself, "This is what great wine is supposed to taste like. This is why we go to all this trouble."
Dec 25th, 2014
If you're a Cabernet Sauvignon drinker I doubt you'll be disappointed by the 04 Penfolds Bin 407. It's very distinctive Cab characteristics appeal to me. Beautifully balanced, with fine tannins, I like the way they've handed the oak. Blackberries, violets and dark plumbs.
If you're a Cabernet Sauvignon drinker I doubt you'll be disappointed by the 04 Penfolds Bin 407. It's very distinctive Cab characteristics appeal to me. Beautifully balanced, with fine tannins, I like the way they've handed the oak. Blackberries, violets and dark plumbs.
Jan 7th, 2014