Penfolds Bin 407 Cabernet Sauvignon 2008
Somewhere along the line it was decided that Bin 407 would charge up the asking-price charts. It was a strange decision given that it’s one of the least loved of the mainstay Bin reds – on top of its scattered region sourcing – but in fairness, the quality of the wine has improved in recent years.
This is clearly a better wine than either the Bin 28 or Bin 128 offerings this year. It’s a medium-weight wine of structure and class. It tastes of blackberries/blueberries, polished cedary/smoky oak, dust and violets. It all feels seamless and integrated. There’s better quality oak here – or oak that is more to my preference, anyway. Tannin is stringy and chalky but the juiciness of the fruit makes it all seem tidy and fresh. If I tasted this in a wine show I’d plonk a gold medal on its head – so to speak – in a heartbeat. Drink : 2014 - 2022 94+ points Campbell Mattinson, The Wine Front
When it gets warm, head south! Coonawarra, Robe, Wrattonbully & Padthaway contribute the lion's share of grape sourcing for this 2008 offer...Better with air - pour vigorously and swirl energetically, sans spillage!...Insider information: 2008 Bin 407 - INVEST! One for the cellar. Penfolds Chief Winemaker - Peter Gago.
A relatively recent introduction to the Penfolds range, first made in 1990 from a blend of McLaren Vale, Padthaway, Coonawarra, Barossa and Clare Valleys Cabernet Sauvignon. Matured in a mix of 30 per cent new oak (American and French) and 70 per cent hand-me-downs from Bin 707. Initially conceived as a lower-priced wine, the sheer quality of Bin 407 and its already illustrious show record led to its higher price when released.
