COLOUR Deep, foreboding, dark… purple-red. NOSE Poured, swirled – persuasive Cabernet black olive, graphite and tapenade aromatics may initially relax Bin 707 style sceptics. Yet just when the guard is dropped, in creeps a scented wave of choc mint, Asian spices and sage/bay leaf botanicals. Taking no prisoners – a good measure of soot/ironstone/sump oil blackness, and a floral headiness of iris and dried hibiscus. Yes, a full-on, uncamouflaged Bin 707 aromatic assault. Not for the meek. Unashamedly 100% Cabernet, 100% new oak, 100% Penfolds. PALATE All is convincingly redeemed on the palate. No stylistic retreat, yet engagingly a better understanding of what lies beneath … Texturally, a suppleness and tightness that is indeed profound. Fine long ripe tannins offer polish and a felt-like ‘attaque’. Perhaps trademark – a significant mid-palate and convincing length – synergising an amalgam of Cabernets (only) off the varied soils of Coonawarra/Barossa Valley/Padthaway/McLaren Vale. A base of ferrics and black-pudding/blood-sausage – laced with white milk-chocolate and red and black berry fruits. 100% new oak – thought about only when reminded. All Bin 707 boxes ticked, except one – time.

A cabernet reflection of Grange. Full-bodied with proven cellaring potential, the 2019 shows a mid-palate richness with saturated dark fruit flavours of blackberry and mulberry fused with notes of dark chocolate and liquorice.