2020 Penfolds, Bin 407 Cabernet Sauvignon, Australia

Deep red-purple colour leads into a strongly varietal cabernet nose of sweet berries, cassis and framboise, pristine and fresh, ripe yet aromatic, the palate showing the relative leanness and elegance of cabernet of this style, with fine-grained tannins that are measured and harmonious and not too assertive, helping to extend the very long finish. A svelte and refined cabernet. (McLaren Vale, Barossa Valley, Coonawarra, Padthaway, Wrattonbully)Huon Hooke, The Real Review (Jun 2022)

Paler than the Bin 150. Really intense cassis nose. Neat and fresh with lots of sweetness on the palate. Then a tense, tighter, tarry finish. Complex but still very youthful.jancis_robinson_mw MW, JancisRobinson.com (Jun 2022)

This 2020 Bin 407 Cabernet Sauvignon is big and structural—the Cabernet character (the “Cabernosity” of the wine) sits behind a parapet of oak, and the tannins are finely knit and tightly clenched around the fruit. Unpicking the structure from the finish reveals smoked cassis, resinous char, star anise and sticky lamb fat. It’s a big-shouldered, muscly wine.This is fierce and concentrated and will live an eon, but in my opinion, it lacks the finesse and poise that I want to see in Cabernet Sauvignon. The oak regimen—15 months in French (24% new) and American (12% new) hogsheads—and regional makeup has something to do with that: McLaren Vale, Barossa Valley, Coonawarra, Padthaway and Wrattonbully. There are a lot of good Cabernet regions in there, but in combination, they lose their identities—although, that has long been the appeal with this wine. Choose your own adventure.Drink 2022 - 2042Erin Larkin, Wine Advocate (Jul 2022)

Strong statement of cabernet is the first impression, with violets, blueberries, blackcurrants, fresh leaves and herbs. I like the clarity here. The palate has such intense and rich fruit, with plush, polished and ripe blueberry and cassis flavors. Holds an impressively measured and balanced stance. A blend of McLaren Vale, Barossa Valley, Coonawarra, Padthaway and Wrattonbully. Drink or hold.james_suckling, jamessuckling_com (Jun 2022)