2002 Bin 707

We had a vote at the end and this was probably second favourite after the Cos. The Cabernet answer to Grange is even more intense in terms of both colour and aroma than the Chilean with just the slightest hint of cough-medicine spice overlaying the opulent ripeness and velvety texture with just a hint of some very ripe tannins. You can tell that it shouldn’t really be drunk this early but there is no shortage of ingredients to admire even at this stage. This with its extra sweet vanilla overlay nicely demonstrated American oak rather than the French oak used for the Chilean wine. (JR)

The 2002 Cabernet Sauvignon Bin 707 exhibits a broodingly dense ruby/purple color as well as a sweet nose of black currants, tapenade, cola, and spicy oak (this cuvee spends 14 months in 100% new American barrels). Pure and dense yet fresh and elegant, it appears to be one of the finest Bin 707s produced in nearly a decade. It is much more natural tasting than previous vintages, which seemed too extracted and acidified. The 2002 should drink well young, yet age for 15+ years. Importer: PWG Vintners, Napa, CA; tel. (707) 996-4504

Saturated, opaque ruby. Exotic, flamboyant aromas of kirsch, cassis, coconutty oak, chocolate and candied mint; the mint note builds with air but does not turn green. Large-scaled, fat and viscous in the mouth, displaying powerful, densely concentrated flavors of ripe cherry, blackcurrant, mocha, gingerbread and fruitcake, plus a wallop of bourbony, toasty oak. Sweet and long on the finish, with completely absorbed tannins. This became richer and thicker with air and may be the best example of a Bin 707 I've ever tasted.