Winemaker Notes
Medium red core, ruby red rim. An authoritative varietal stamp. Crème de cassis, fresh blackberries/mulberries. A refreshing note of spearmint (sweet jelly leaves?). From the grill, Harissa spiced lamb chops. The spice emporium is well represented: toasted cumin/coriander seeds, fresh bay leaf, and turmeric. The complexity derived of both French and American oak apparent. Toasted coconut (coconut rough), or chocolate truffles in toasted coconut. Cedar. Dusting cocoa/Dutch cocoa. Serious, self-assured. A generous fleshiness persists across the palate. Wild black cherries, cola, sarsaparilla. Sage leaves fried in nut-brown butter over grilled calves' liver. Pistachio terrine. A fine graphite core and cherry succulence. Seamlessly woven tannins. The interplay between the oak, tannins and acid results in an even mouthfeel, a textural sheen. Cranberry acidity and succulence provide a lovely balance. Surprisingly approachable, given the varietal temperament. One to watch, will evolve beautifully over the next two/three decades.
Professional Ratings
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Decanter
The beautiful nose is typically seductive: rich, full and confident, without ever being too heavy or blocky – the mark of Penfolds’ fastidious Cabernet Sauvignon selection from five separate regions. The palate glides along a silky, gossamer weave of vivid red and purple berries, and this glorious choir of luscious and supple fruits is supported by just a hint of wild herbs, a sprinkle of chocolate powder and tannins that support the impressive palate length. Released at A$120/bottle.
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James Suckling
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.
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
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.
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Wine Spectator
Fleshy and toothsome, this has an appealing density to the tannins, with notes of roasted meat and herbs, tobacco and cedar as well as plenty of concentration, which bodes well for time in the cellar. Drink now through 2037.
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Wine Enthusiast
A sheen of cola oak is at the fore, with broody black cherry, tobacco leaf, coffee and dried herb notes just below. Massive, oak-driven tannins are raspy and drying, and while the acidity bites a bit, it does provide much-needed freshness and balance to this variety's—and winery's—inherent power and richness. Old-school Cab that requires a good decant or lengthy cellaring.
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Wine & Spirits
A bright, primary, lightning bolt of flavor, this feels saturated up front, then the electricity dissipates, leaving some bitterness in the end. This needs time to integrate and lengthen.
Since 1844, Penfolds has been grounded in experimentation, curiosity and uncompromising quality. Their success has been driven by a lineage of visionary winemakers. It began with Dr. Christopher and Mary Penfold, the pioneers who dreamed big, inventing tonics, brandies, and fortified wines made from grapes and Australian sunshine. It continued with celebrated winemaking legends including Max Schubert, who pushed the development to extraordinary, bold new heights. It is this pioneering spirit and curiosity that still rings true after nearly two centuries, it is what has helped Penfolds become one of the most celebrated winemakers in the world today.
A noble variety bestowed with both power and concentration, Cabernet Sauvignon enjoys success all over the globe, its best examples showing potential to age beautifully for decades. Cabernet Sauvignon flourishes in Bordeaux's Medoc where it is often blended with Merlot and smaller amounts of some combination of Cabernet Franc, Malbecand Petit Verdot. In the Napa Valley, ‘Cab’ is responsible for some of the world’s most prestigious, age-worthy and sought-after “cult” wines. Somm Secret—DNA profiling in 1997 revealed that Cabernet Sauvignon was born from a spontaneous crossing of Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc in 17th century southwest France.
South Australia is the historic heart of Australian wine, a great wine capital of the world, and home to some of the most famous regions. It produces more than 80% of Australia’s premium wine from some of the oldest vines in the world. There is an abundance of varieties and wide spectrum of styles to explore. From the rogue to refined, discover Australian wines that are far from ordinary.