2011 Penfolds, Bin 407 Cabernet Sauvignon, Australia
Critics reviews
Lisa Perrotti-Brown - eRobertParker.com #211 - February 2014
Julia Harding, MW - jancisrobinson.com - February 2014
Lisa Perrotti-Brown - eRobertParker.com #211 - February 2014
A textbook Penfolds Cabernet Sauvignon, on the nose there’s mint and dried herbs along with spicy, meaty character. To taste, green olive and a market-garden foray – ie leafy vegetables – and good, structured tannins.
Peter Gago - Chief Winemaker, Penfolds
About this WINE
Penfolds
Penfolds enjoys an iconic status that few New World producers have achieved. Established in 1844 at the Magill Estate near Adelaide, it laid the foundation for fine wine production in Australia.
The winemaking team is led by the masterful Peter Gago; it has the herculean task of blending the best wines from a multitude of different plots, vineyards and regions to create a consistent and outstanding range of wines. Its flagship wine, Grange, is firmly established as one of the finest red wines in the world.
Under Gago’s stewardship, the Penfolds range has evolved over time. Winemaking has moved away from New World heat and the sort of larger-than-life style that can mask individuality; the contemporary wines instead favour fine balance and typicity for the region or grape.
South Australia
At 72,000 hectares, South Australia is the engine room of the country's wine industry, responsible for 43 percent of its vineyards and encompassing some of Australia’s most famous fine wine regions.
One of the most important areas in qualitative terms is the Barossa Valley, beginning 50km north-east of Adelaide, and famous for its full-bodied Shiraz, as well as for its Grenache and Mourvèdre. To the east, the cool Eden Valley is home to some really fine Riesling and top-class Shiraz, such as that made by Henschke. To the north of Barossa is the Clare Valley, also a source of good Riesling but home to well-structured reds as well.
South-east of Adelaide lies the delightful vineyard area of the Adelaide Hills, where fine Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Riesling and Pinot Noir are produced by wineries such as Petaluma and Llangibby Estate. Langhorne Creek to the east of Adelaide has earned a reputation for its Cabernet Sauvignon, Verdelho and Shiraz while, between Adelaide and the sea, McLaren Vale is a noted area for red wines.
The unique vineyard region of Coonawarra lies 400km south-east in an area of pure limestone topped by a loose, red topsoil. Cool enough to resemble Bordeaux, this area produces great Cabernets and Merlots and is much in demand. Slightly to the north and to the west lie the regions of Padthaway and Mount Benson respectively, which enjoy similar success as sources of great white wines, especially Chardonnay. Wrattonbully however is known for its fresh, varietally-pure Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.
However it’s the less-distinguished Riverland region that accounts for 50 percent of the state’s wine production.
Other Varieties
There are over 200 different grape varieties used in modern wine making (from a total of over 1000). Most lesser known blends and varieties are traditional to specific parts of the world.
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Description
Penfolds Bin wines are notorious for providing exceptional value for money and tipicity of grape variety – in both of these regards 2011 Bin 407 is a huge success. The nose of ’11 407 bowls you over with its thump of cassis and menthol, this is every inch a textbook Australian Cabernet Sauvignon. On the palate, along with very pure sweet red and black fruit there are elements of well integrated French and American oak along before expanding into a fine and thoroughly elegant finish.
This is much superior to many a previous vintage I remember, no doubt profiting from Bin 707 not being made in 2011. This can be drunk now, but will really be in its stride from late 2015 or 2016 and will likely develop past 2020 – if you let it get that far!
Gary Owen - Private Account Manager
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