Bin 407 Cabernet Sauvignon 2020

Bin 407 Cabernet Sauvignon 2020 (A$120) – Every year I look forward to this wine as I am convinced that this might be the year I finally understand what they are trying to do with 407, what they want it to show and why they make it (other than for the obvious reason that it makes a truckload of money). This year, with no 707 in their plans, I thought that redirecting that fruit into 407 might convince me. Every year, I live in hope. Sadly, this was not to be the year. 

100% Cabernet Sauvignon from a number of districts – McLaren Vale, Barossa, Coonawarra, Padthaway and Wrattonbully – the wine spends 15 months in a mix of oak – French and American (24% and 12% new respectively). I would also question where it fits in the overall scheme of value from the Collection (not high, would be my answer). 

It is important to stress that this is not a bad wine by any means at all. It is a fine, attractive, full of flavour red, but it never seems to flick the switch, for me at least. I know others have no such issues. Black with a purple rim. Dark berry notes, spices, coffee grinds, florals and some warm earth. Dry herbs. There are fine tannins here, a mid-length style and one which should age neatly for a decade. I'm just not all that sure what it is supposed to be, other than perhaps a pleasant drink. What is definitely beyond my comprehension is that, other than Grange itself, this is the only wine in the Collection to see a price increase. On what planet is this wine worth more than Bin 389? That alone is irrefutable evidence of a world in chaos. 90.

A low-yield vintage offering concentrated fruit and a slightly broader frame. The nose presents dark cherry, cassis, dried mint, and cedar, accompanied by notes of sweet dill and cocoa powder. On the palate, it entry is round and dark-fruited, supported by firm, chewy tannins and gentle acidity, closing on a warm, spicy finish.

Medium deep crimson. Chinotto, blackcurrant, herb garden, sage aromas with some violet/ chinotto notes. Supple blackcurrant, herb flavours, fine slinky/ touch sinewy tannins and some savoury/ vanilla complexity. Builds up grippy/ sappy firm at the finish. A compact cabernet style with very good density and vigour. Best to drink in the medium term. McLaren Vale, Barossa Valley, Coonawarra, Padthaway, Wrattonbully. 15 months in French (24%) American (12%) and seasoned oak hogsheads. Drink now – 2030 14.5% alc 92 points

Mocha chocolate hint of eucalyptus on a nose that needs a lot of coaxing out of its shell. The Palate is full, with darker forest fruits, lots of spice and a mint eucalyptus from the nose. A splash of warmth completes the wine succinctly.