2018 Bin 169

A stunning red, dense and fleshy and aromatic, with beautiful fine-grained tannins and a symphony of details. Cassis and blueberry flavors are bursting with juicy intensity at the core, showing notes of black tea, Kalamata olive, palo santo and marzipan, with a touch of fresh, sweet mint that lingers. A note of loam adds a savory touch, with a whiff of dried violet and a long, memorable finish. Drink now through 2040. 84 cases imported.

In effect, this is to Bin 707 as RWT is to Grange, a single-region expression of a classic regional variety, aged in 100% French oak. Would that it were priced similarly to RWT, but production is more limited, and the Chinese have seemingly fallen in love in Cabernet. The 2018 Bin 169 Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon (there was no 2017 bottled) boasts sumptuous aromas of ripe cassis, accented by hints of vanilla, cedar shavings, tobacco and baking spices. It's full-bodied, plush and velvety, but with a firm spine at its core that drives home the lengthy finish and strong varietal identity. Ideally, it needs a few years in the cellar to show its best, with potential longevity of two decades or more.

Veering Napawards in style on the nose ... though it's drier on the finish than any luxury California Cabernet is likely to be. Hint of blackberry fruit and still quite youthful plus a tiny bit of mintiness. For once I'm aware of the alcohol ��unusual for wines in this Penfolds Collection 2020. Tannins quite insistent on the end. Just a tiny bit skinny. Nose and palate not quite integrated at present.