1998 Penfolds Bin 407 Cabernet Sauvignon

BACKGROUNDThis is the baby brother of the 707, and was born due to the increased availability of top quality Cabernet Sauvignon fruit. The first vintage was produced in 1990. Made from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, the wine has spent 12 months in oak maturation in both French and American oak, 23% of which was new.

VINTAGE CONDITIONSThe cool summer and mild ripening conditions produced vines of full ripeness and superb fruit/acid balance. Winemakers regard the 1998 vintage conditions as the best in 20 years.

TASTING NOTETotally opaque, black crimson colour. The nose reveals some dusty, leafy Cabernet notes, followed by an underlay of spice and blackcurrant. Whilst the leafiness is present it is very subdued, and makes no detrimental impact on the overall quality or flavour of the wine. Mouthfilling palate, excellent tight, classic Cabernet structure, dominated by the blackcurrant fruit flavours, and supported by fine yet firm, perfectly balanced tannins. This is Classic Cabernet, it has the weight and structure to cellar 5-8 years and beyond. A wine that will require patience - and certainly the most gripping of the 1998 Penfolds releases. Part of the quality is due to the superb fruit being produced from a vineyard that Penfolds recently acquired located in Bordertown, South Australia.

RATING: 90/100

VALUE: XXXXX/5

Retasted: May 2002
We first reviewed this wine in February 2001 and said “This is a Classic Cabernet, it has the weight and structure to cellar 5-8 years and certainly beyond. A wine that will require patience and certainly the most gripping of the 1998 Penfolds releases.”Fifteen months later, the wine still remains tight knit and quite firm.
Opaque brick red crimson colour. Aroma of prunes, liquorice, blackcurrant, dark chocolate and cedar with a hint of confectionary. The trace of leafiness that was evident upon release has gone. The wine is slowly evolving with blackcurrant, liquorice and cedar flavours over a layer of ripe plum. Excellent length, however the tannins are still grippy and not ready to yield. Very long aftertaste of ripe plum and stewed fruit. Again, patience is the key.
Cellar 5-8 years. (2007-2010)
Alc./Vol. 13.5%

RATING: 91/100

VALUE: XXXXX/5