Launched with the 1990 vintage in 1993, Bin 407 was developed in response to the increasing availability of high quality cabernet sauvignon fruit. Inspired by Bin 707, Bin 407 offers varietal definition and approachability, yet still with structure and depth of flavour. Textbook cabernet sauvignon, the varietally expressive Bin 407 highlights the rewards of Penfolds multi-region, multi-vineyard blending, with a core of ripe fruit supported by sensitive use of French and American oak.
Grape variety
Cabernet Sauvignon
Vineyard region
Padthaway, Coonawarra, Wrattonbully, McLaren Vale, Barossa Valley
Wine analysis
Alc/Vol: 14.5% · Acidity: 6.5 g/L · pH: 3.0
Maturation
12 months in French (27% new) and American (8% new) oak hogsheads
Vintage conditions
The South-East growing districts of South Australia enjoyed above-average winter rainfall, while McLaren Vale and the Barossa Valley recorded well below-average. September temperatures were cool with little rainfall resulting in some isolated frost events. Summer was generally hot, with high temperatures delaying veraison. The Barossa Valley experienced 31 days of temperatures exceeding 35°C, while Coonawarra experienced 20 days of temperature greater than 35°C during the months December to March. Irrigation was crucial to keep vines in good health.
The proximity of the Southern Ocean played an important role in moderating temperatures in Coonawarra and Padthaway, allowing for a high-quality harvest, albeit with smaller yields than average. Although yields were lower, the quality was outstanding with cabernet sauvignon displaying excellent colours, firm tannin profiles and intense flavours.
Colour
Deep, lively red.
Nose
Instantly cabernet, exposed by fragrant violet, lavender, blue fruits and the faintest waft of red apple blossom.
And yet there’s much more to captivate the olfactory senses, with scented illuminations of:
- Baked delights – Danish pastry/croissant and rye bread crust
- A Mediterranean ratatouille – laced with thyme, oregano and pulped olive
- Chamois, new-buck leather
- Cedar – yet any oak presence certainly respectful of fruit
Palate
Medium-bodied. The complete package:
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Fruit: Juicy redcurrant jelly, dark plum (and plum acidity), fresh rhubarb
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Acidity: ‘Just right’ – a lively and lifted conveyance from initial lip-contact to sated ingestion
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Tannins: Integrated, polished-graphite tannins
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Oak: Seamlessly hidden/concealed oak. Melding well with fruit
Overall, cabernet balance and definition, sans exaggeration.
Peak drinking
Now – 2039
Last tasted
April 2021
