Winemaker Notes
Steeped in Penfolds winemaking tradition yet still embracing modernity, Bin 704 seeks to redefine Napa Valley Cabernet through a Penfolds lens. Being mindful of varietal nuances, regional essence, and silk-like textural definition, the wine is nurtured in French barriques for maturation. Impressive is the cyclical nature of viticulture and winemaking, and Penfolds recognises that different hemispheres often end up being the mirror image of the other. The name Bin 704 draws inspiration from the ‘mirror’ or ‘reverse’ image of its Australian Bin 407 stablemate, a wine which also respects varietal expression.
Professional Ratings
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James Suckling
Nicely balanced with black and red currants, graphite, bay leaves, dried herbs and spices. The midweight palate shows a textural, rounded mouthfeel, fine-tuned tannins and bright acidity, finishing with lovely tension and energy. Aged for 16 months in 100% new French oak barrels. Drink or hold.
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Decanter
So much bulk! This is an expansive black fruit statement, with ripe Cabernet sourced from three Napa Valley sites, which enjoys and benefits from maturation in French oak. It may have heft, but the weave of the fruit component is cohesive and intriguing, with some cheeky red berries poking through the lush black curtain. Still, the impossibly dark purple fruit is pulled fiercely tight at the finish, and the palate weight sits heavily, accentuated by sooty black tannins.
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2023 Bin 704 Cabernet Sauvignon comprises Cabernet Sauvignon from across Napa Valley, from a combination of both growers and Treasury vineyards. Aromatically, the wine leads with licorice and dark chocolate, black fruit and star anise/clove. The palate is gritty, gravelly and intense, with baking spices and drying tobacco through the finish. It matured for 16 months in French oak barriques (45% new). The name Bin 704 refers to its relationship with the Australian Bin 407, with the number presented as a reverse image of that label. Both wines are positioned as Cabernet Sauvignon expressions within the Penfolds portfolio. 14.5% alcohol.
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.
One of the most prestigious wines of the world capable of great power and grace, Napa Valley Cabernet is a leading force in the world of fine, famous, collectible red wine. Today the Napa Valley and Cabernet Sauvignon are so intrinsically linked that it is difficult to discuss one without the other. But it wasn’t until the 1970s that this marriage came to light; sudden international recognition rained upon Napa with the victory of the Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars 1973 Cabernet Sauvignon in the 1976 Judgement of Paris.
Cabernet Sauvignon undoubtedly dominates Napa Valley today, covering half of the land under vine, commanding the highest prices per ton and earning the most critical acclaim. Cabernet Sauvignon’s structure, acidity, capacity to thrive in multiple environs and ability to express nuances of vintage make it perfect for Napa Valley where incredible soil and geographical diversity are found and the climate is perfect for grape growing. Within the Napa Valley lie many smaller sub-AVAs that express specific characteristics based on situation, slope and soil—as a perfect example, Rutherford’s famous dust or Stags Leap District's tart cherry flavors.