Penfolds Bin 407 Cabernet Sauvignon 1996 Thursday, Feb 9 2006
Tasting Notes and Australia and Barossa Valley and McLaren Vale and Coonawarra and Langhorne Ck and Padthaway and Variety and Red and cabernet et al
The 1996 Penfolds wines really are the business. Not had a 1996 407 for a year or two but as suspected it is turning into a champion.
Still a youthful strong red purple colour. Quite closed initally but opens up to reveal cassis, aniseed, a touch of capsicum and attractive cedar oak. On the palate it is dense with grainy ripe tannins and flavours of blackcurrant, licorice and mocha. Beautifully balanced and not a hint of alcoholic heat. This wine is yet to reveal its full potential but is certainly developing more complexity each time I taste it. To quote a known Melbourne wine identity - “This wine has years up it”.
Rated : 93+ Points
Tasted : Feb06
Alcohol : 13.5%
Price : $40
Closure : Cork
Drink : 2006 - 2016+
Source : Cellar
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9 Responses to “Penfolds Bin 407 Cabernet Sauvignon 1996”
February 10th, 2006 at 12:11 am
Had the 1990 407 last month and it had no signs of slowing down either.
February 10th, 2006 at 10:00 am
Gary, I have a few of these left, was going to open one but you have convinced me to wait a while, how long do you suggest I wait ?.
February 10th, 2006 at 10:17 am
Hello,
Well hmmmm from my tastings over the years I think it is just starting to do nice things. I guess it is 10 years old after all. Certainly approachable now though and you never know what state people prefer their wine in (I know what state I like to be in..). We have a couple in the cellar too. I imagine that 2007 - 2010 would suit my tastes quite well…or you could drink one now. It won’t be a waste but I think it will get better. How is that for wafty?
GW
May 23rd, 2006 at 5:37 pm
I think I know you Lincoln when you lived in England. Who knows.
Anway, had a bottle of this and it was completely corked.
Apreciate hearing about what it really tasted.
Carolyn
May 23rd, 2006 at 7:51 pm
> I think I know you Lincoln when you lived in England.
Really - whereabouts?
August 11th, 2006 at 11:58 am
Got to down one of these last night and it was stunning!
We had line up of Schild Estate 03 Cab, Cape Mentelle 93 Cab and this bad boy..or should I say classy gent? Plenty of capsicum on the nose and lots of yummy chocky and berries! Mmmmmmmm
August 11th, 2006 at 1:10 pm
Last night must have been cabernet night. Our vineyard group did a whole bunch of cabs, including the 1996 Bin 407, mixed in with Mitolo’s Serpico, Wendouree and a bunch of others. The 407 shone, with years ahead of it still. Lovely bottle.
August 11th, 2006 at 5:36 pm
Hmm, typo. That was a 1997 Bin 407 last night. Still very tasty.
August 11th, 2006 at 9:19 pm
often find the off years for marque wines can produce some stunning ‘lower’ wines. EG The 2000 407 is a beauty considering no 707 made…