1996 Penfolds Bin 707 Cabernet Sauvignon (1500ml)

Tasting Notes sourced from Southcorp Wines.

Penfolds Bin 707 continues to reinforce its reputation as an international benchmark for Australian Cabernet Sauvignon. Made from a multi-regional blend, it transcends the variances of vintages, achieving a consistent style and outstanding quality each year. The Bin 707 style has intense varietal definition, combined with stylish fine-grained new American oak, to produce a wine of great richness, concentration, power and harmony. The 1996 Bin 707 Cabernet Sauvignon may well turn out to be one of the best of the last two decades - complex and firm with superb balance and character. Cabernet from Coonawarra contributes strength and firmness of structure, while the Barossa component adds mouthfilling richness, resulting in a completeness of structure and flavour.

After the drought conditions in 1995, much needed rains replenished the soils during the winter across most of South Australia. The first half of the growing season was dry and cool, allowing the fruit to set and mature slowly. The last two months of the season warmed to bring in physically mature, ripe complex fruit.

Tasting Notes: The wine was aged for 15 months in new American oak. Deep garnet colour. The nose displays aromas of rich barrel-ferment, enveloped by vibrant cassis fruit. Once allowed to breath, complex berry and cassis Cabernet aromas emanate with a background of cedary oak and violet nuances. The palate is full bodied with dense layers of tight, saturated Cabernet fruit. A formidable concentration of berried fruits, blackcurrant and anise combine to create a rich and expansive mid-palate. Stylish oak handling combined with a backbone of firm, yet finely grained tannins, support a lingering finish. This wine has incredible potential and, although tempting now, will yield great rewards after cellaring for 5-15 years. 13.5% Alcohol Volume.