Team C&J
Penfolds Bin 407 Cabernet Sauvignon isn’t just a wine; it’s a journey through Australian wine history. To truly appreciate this exceptional bottle and what the Penfold’s brand means to one of the largest wine-producing countries in the world, let’s dive a little deeper into the history of Penfold’s, the terroir, and the visionary winemaking that continues to define this brand’s style. hands that crafted it.
The Penfolds’ story begins in 1844 with Christopher Penfold, a young English doctor who, with a thirst for exploration, planted his first vines in South Australia. His pioneering spirit and unwavering dedication to quality laid the foundation for what would become a global force in winemaking.
Today, Penfolds is owned by mega wine company, Treasury Wine Estates, but this legacy wine brand continues to push boundaries and produce wines that consistently garner international acclaim from some of the wine world’s most discerning critics. Case in point: James Suckling recently bestowed a 94 point score on this bottle of Penfolds Bin 407, Cabernet Sauvignon.
This wine is a multi-vineyard blend, and the inaugural vintage was crafted in 1990 and released in 1993.
Penfolds isn’t known for single-vineyard expressions; its magic lies in the art of blending. Grapes from various regions, each with their unique terroir, are combined to create wines of unparalleled complexity, grace, and power. The Bin system (Batch Identification Number), established in 1951, categorizes these offerings based on their location in the cellar. Bin 407 sits proudly within this system, signifying a premium Cabernet Sauvignon expression, and a crown jewel in the Penfolds portfolio that seeks to rival the Cabs of Napa Valley.
The Barossa Valley in South Australia is renowned for its high-quality wine grape production, owing much to its Mediterranean climate (scorching summers and cool, wet winters), diverse soil types, varying topography, and innovative water management techniques. This region enjoys ample sunshine, allowing for the full ripening of grapes, particularly red varietals like Shiraz, which the Barossa is famed for globally. The unique combination of soils across the valley supports a wide range of grape varieties, including Cabernet Sauvignon.
Leading the winemaking efforts at Penfolds is Chief Winemaker Peter Gago. With over 30 years of experience and an intimate understanding of the Barossa, Gago approaches each vintage with meticulous attention to detail. From careful sourcing grapes to overseeing the delicate dance of blending and aging, his vision shapes every aspect of the Bin 407.
Gago’s path to Penfolds wasn’t entirely conventional. He initially embarked on a different career path, graduating with a Bachelor of Applied Science in Oenology from Roseworthy College after a stint as a chemistry and mathematics teacher. However, his long-standing passion for wine eventually led him to Penfolds in 1989, and wine lovers like us are so thankful he made the career switch!
His first foray into the winery wasn’t with the bold reds Penfolds is known for. He began his journey in the world of sparkling wines, honing his skills and gaining valuable experience. But Gago’s natural talent and dedication soon saw him move on to the red wine team, eventually becoming the Penfolds Red Wine Oenologist.
In 2002, after years of dedication and a proven track record of excellence, Gago was appointed the fourth ever Chief Winemaker for Penfolds. This prestigious position placed him at the helm of one of Australia’s most renowned wineries, a testament to his exceptional talent and leadership qualities.
In the glass, the 2018 Penfolds Bin 407 Cabernet Sauvignon is a deep ruby color with crystal clear clarity. The nose reveals layers of black fruit – cherry, currant, blackberry – wrapped in earthy secondary notes of cedar, oak, and tobacco. A hint of licorice and cigar box adds intrigue, while a touch of bell pepper dances on the periphery.
From the very first sip, you can tell this is a graceful, full-bodied wine. Black cherry and blackberry return, joined by savory bell pepper and hints of black pepper. Licorice and cedar come through on the mid-palate, while leather, oak, and graphite hint at the wine’s age-worthy potential. A touch of mocha lingers in the long, balanced finish, leaving wine lovers intrigued by this bottle’s complexity and finesse.
The 2018 Penfolds Bin 407 Cabernet Sauvignon is the culmination of generations of dedication, a reflection of the unique terroir of the Barossa Valley, and a testament to the unwavering passion of visionary winemaker Peter Gago. As far as Australian Cabernet Sauvignon goes, this is one of the best.
South Australia
Barossa Valley
Cabernet Sauvignon
14.5
Peter Gago
62–68°F / 16–20°C
Large Bordeaux
1 Hour
Now to 2035
Penfolds
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