Penfolds
Penfolds Bin 704 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
2019
$97.00
About this winery
The success of Penfolds has been driven by the generations of visionaries and innovators. From the beginning in 1844 to today, the merging of science, art and innovation has driven Penfolds to become one of Australia’s most famed and respected winemakers. After the success of early sherries and fortified wines, founders Dr Christopher and Mary Penfold planted their vine cuttings they had carried on their voyage over to Australia. In 1844 the fledging vineyard was officially established as the...
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Product notes
Steeped in Penfolds winemaking tradition yet still embracing modernity, Bin 704 seeks to redefine Napa Valley cabernet through a Penfolds lens. Being mindful of varietal nuances, regional essence and silk-like textural definition, the wine is nurtured in French barriques for maturation. Impressive is the cyclical nature of viticulture and winemaking, and Penfolds recognises that different hemispheres often end up being the mirror image of the other. The name Bin 704 draws inspiration from the “mirror” or “reverse” image of its Australian Bin 407 stablemate, a wine which also respects varietal expression.
Production notes
The South-East growing districts of South Australia enjoyed above-average winter rainfall, while Mclaren Vale and the Barossa Valley recorded well below-average. September temperatures were cool with little rainfall resulting in some isolated frost events. Summer was generally hot, with high temperatures delaying veraison. The Barossa Valley experienced 31 days of temperatures exceeding 35°C, while Coonawarra experienced 20 days of temperature greater than 35°C during the months December to March. Irrigation was crucial to keep vines in good health. The proximity of the Southern Ocean played an important role in moderating temperatures in Coonawarra and Padthaway, allowing for a high-quality harvest, albeit with smaller yields than average. Although yields were lower, the quality was outstanding with cabernet sauvignon displaying excellent colours, firm tannin profiles and intense flavours.
Tasting notes
Nose: Savoury expressions lead the charge, finding many forms – carpaccio style red meats, seared beef with a mild pepper crust, bay leaf and wild thyme. At the heart of the wine lies a Penfolds soul with mention of Black Forest cake, glazed cherries and dark chocolate aromas (all noted within 2018 Australian Penfolds Bins). Oak doesn’t distract on the nose, it is impossible to avert attention from a fruit-derived core. Palate : A silk-like flow, Bin 704 is still somewhat restrained during this embryonic stage. Dark cabernet fruits transfer from the nose to the palate, common to both senses. Primary fruits are animated and lithe, personality is humble yet there is still quiet conviction when it comes to the wine’s origins…Napa! Without a doubt, regionally entrenched. Chocolate coated (flavour) almonds (tannic-texture). Pomegranate-like acidity contributes to liveliness and dovetailed cedary/spicy oak adds to intrigue. Sleek. Silken. Supple. Colour: Deep Red.