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.

The grapes for this release were sourced from Padthaway, Coonawarra, Barossa, McLaren Vale, and Wrattonbully. It spent 12 months in a combination of French and American oak, 27% of it new. You have to note the eucalypt but the palate here is fantastically well formed and the spread through the finish is elite. Blackcurrant, mint, a briary tobacco-like aspect, a clip of aubergine and cedar. Quality at its most uncomplicated. Tasted: July 2021; Alcohol: 14.5%; Price: $110; Closure: Screwcap; Drink: 2025-2033+; Rated: 94 Points; Campbell Mattinson; The Wine Front

Padthaway, Coonawarra, Wrattonbully, McLaren Vale and Barossa Valley fruit. Matured 12 months in 27% new French and 8% new American oak hogsheads. Nuances of menthol and eucalypt not often seen in Bin 407, perhaps the presence of Padthaway taking a stronger lead this vintage? This might also be the explanation, too, for a more saline feel to the palate. All the classic blackcurrant, cassis and roast capsicum expected of Bin 407 hold through a finish of impressive line and length, sustained by strong, fine-grained, mineral tannins. Drink to: 2039; Price: $110.00; Date Tasted: July 2021; Alcohol: 14.5%; Rating: 94 Points, Tyson Stelzer; James Halliday Wine Companion

Deep crimson. Lifted dark berry dark chocolate graphite aromas with violet, herb garden, sage, hint mint notes. Well concentrated sinewy wine with plentiful elderberry, blackcurrant, dark cherry bitter dark chocolate flavours, fine chewy firm tannins, underlying cedar roasted walnut and fresh long acidity. Finishes grippy firm with plentiful juicy sweet fruit notes. Rating: 93 Points; Andrew Caillard MW