2023 Bin 707

Having had the privilege of tasting many vintages of this wine back to 1964, this is, given time, a superb wine. The inclusion of American oak helps to protect the fruit sweetness over time—I don't know the science of that, however it holds true anecdotally. Here, through the prism of the 2023 vintage, the wine is fresh and yet ripe, and the cool season has taken some of the weight from the bottom register. It was sourced from McLaren Vale, Padthaway and Barossa Valley and matured for 18 months in American oak hogsheads. 14.5% alcohol, sealed under natural cork.

This is such a refined and focused cabernet sauvignon, deeply perfumed and lifted, with aromas of blackcurrants, cedar, grilled meat, bitter chocolate, ink, dried flowers and dried herbs. The palate is full-bodied, silken, textural and tightly wound, with a creamy, chocolaty finish. An Australian classic of the highest order. Excellent. Drink or hold.

Eucalyptus, mint leaf, cocoa bean and cassis straight off the bat, a kick of spice and a ton of personality and swagger. A more charged version of Cabernet than you usually find in Bordeaux, with the precision and purity of cassis fruit, sweet red liquorice and floral aromatics that is entirely singular to this wine. Cabernet lovers should get on board - this is muscular, with walls and floors, all delivered with a lightness of touch. Tom King director, Peter Gago chief winemaker.