2021 Penfolds, Bin 707 Cabernet Sauvignon, Australia

From vineyards in Coonawarra, Barossa Valley and Wrattonbully. Spring temperatures were generally warmer than average (resulting in healthy, and notably larger, vine canopies than previous years) and summer temperatures were near long-term average. Aged for 16 months in American oak hogsheads (100% new). TA 6.6 g/l, pH 3.65. There was no 2020, to the benefit of various other ‘lesser’ blends.Blackish purple. Rich, satisfying nose. Sweet and soft. Very definitely a South Australian Cabernet, a hemisphere away from Bordeaux, but it works. Complete and flattering without too much dryness on the end. Although the official notes suggest that the drinking window for this wine starts in 2026, I think it’s readier to enjoy than many thanks to the ripeness of the tannins. But I’m sure it will go on and on.Drink 2024 - 2044jancis_robinson_mwm MW, JancisRobinson.com (July 2023)

The 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Bin 707 hails from Coonawarra, Barossa Valley and Wrattonbully and is matured for 16 months in American oak hogsheads (100% new).On the nose, the wine is aromatically reticent, but in the mouth, the tannins (then fruit) hit with full force. This is a powerful wine that, to be honest, I find little joy in on release. The firm caveat I would assert at this stage is that old Bin 707—we are talking 20 or 30 years old—is a graceful, powerful, exciting wine.And 2021 was a gorgeous vintage: long, cool and even in the growing season, so the wines produced in this year (from South Australia particularly) are elegant and composed. The fruit here speaks of its vintage origins; however, the oak remains a big part of the story at this early stage. The "plus" part of the score is a very loud indicator of its future potential. 14.5% alcohol, sealed under natural cork.Drink now to 2053Erin Larkin, Wine Advocate (July 2023)

The 2021 Penfolds Bin 707 Cabernet Sauvignon was sourced from Coonawarra (55%), Barossa Valley (32%), and Wrattonbully (13%), and it was aged for 16 months in 100% new American oak hogsheads. It has a deep garnet-purple color and the nose opens with profound scents of crème de cassis, juicy blackberries, and warm, ripe plums, followed by hints of dried mint, dark chocolate, cedar, sassafras, and vanilla pod. Full-bodied, the palate is surprisingly graceful, bright, refreshing, and refined, with bags of energetic fruit and a very long, spicy finish.Drink 2026 - 2050Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW, The Wine Independent (August 2023)

This is a very fine 707. Often a bit of a yeoman, this is more sophisticated than I recall. Gun barrel tannins with the glint of steely intent. Like a slick of alloyed ball bearings, rolling across the generously weighted palate while delivering iodine, bouquet garni, a swab of tapenade and cassis in all the right places. Rich and powerful, yet detailed and savory all at once. The juiciness of the fruit effortlessly transcends the slathering of oak, predicting a very bright future. A wonderful wine in the making.Best after 2027Ned Goodwin MW, Senior Editor at jamessuckling_com (July 2023)