Penfolds - Bin 407 Cabernet Sauvignon - 2013

An interesting regional blend from McLaren Vale, Padthaway, Coonawarra, Wrattonbully and the Barossa Valley; it spent 12 months in 26% new French hogsheads, the remainder in new (12%) and used American hogsheads. Like all the '13 Penfolds red releases, has very good colour, and unquestioned varietal character from the first whiff through to the finish and aftertaste. It has elegance, balance and a restrained mediumbodied persona. It fully reflects the long arm Penfolds has with its fruit sourcing. Drink to 2033. 94 Points James Halliday, The Halliday Wine Companion This is a good release. Well-fruited, well-polished, framed by quite assertive tannin and with no shortage of length. It tastes of blackcurrant, raspberry, dark chocolate, sawdusty oak and mint/eucalypt, and while its fruit flavours test the boundaries of ripeness they never overstep the mark. Is there a slight dip to the mid-palate? Possibly. Slight. Though given time I suspect the palate will iron itself out further. It’s certainly a wine with many years ahead of it. Drink 2018-2030+ 92+ Points Campbell Mattinson, The Wine Front