2015 Bin 707

Deep, lurid ruby. A complex array of dark fruit, oak spice and floral scents, along with suggestions of incense, coconut, pipe tobacco and candied licorice. Coats the palate with powerful cherry preserve, cassis, mocha and rose pastille flavors that are supported by a core of juicy acidity. Sappy and broad on the impressively long finish, which delivers solid thrust and pliant tannins that are absorbed by the wine's dense fruit.

Very deep garnet-purple colored, the 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Bin 707 is simply a chocolate box of layered delights, revealing crème de cassis and black cherry notes plus underlying roasted nuts, espresso, licorice, pepper, menthol hints and a waft of cedar chest. Full-bodied and built like a brick house, the firm, grainy structure well-supports the densely packed fruit and savory layers, finishing with epic persistence and on a spicy note. This is a keeper that should cellar well over 20+ years!

Bin 707 was first made in 1964. The wine was not made from 1970 to 1975 (when fruit was directed to other wines) nor in 1981, 1995, 2000, 2003 or 2011 (when fruit of the required style and quality was not available). Autumn and early winter rainfall were above the long-term average. Rain stopped abruptly in early August with only light showers observed throughout spring. The dry and cool spring period affected canopy growth early in the season. Warm and dry conditions during flowering and fruit-set resulted in rapid grapevine growth and early flowering. A high rainfall event occurred in Coonawarra in January, mostly falling outside of veraison. February brought weekend heat spikes, pushing mean maximum temperatures well above the average, resulting in early ripening and harvest. 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from Coonawarra, Barossa Valley, McLaren Vale, Padthaway. TA 6.8 g/l, pH 3.65. 20 months in 100% new American oak hogsheads. Very sweet Cabernet fruit initially with just a hint of soapiness. Very youthful and chewy. Very very youthful. Quite difficult to read compared with the lusciousness of most of the wines in this Penfolds Collection 2017. Do not approach for ages! (JR)