The 2022 707 is a worthy successor to the stunning 2021, at least its equal. As usual, 707 sees Cabernet from a range of regions – Coonawarra, Barossa, Padthaway and McLaren Vale – matured in American oak, a year and a half, all new. A dark maroon hue, the aromas here include blackberries, licorice, axle grease, spices, coffee grinds, dark chocolate, soy and mocha, all contributing to an utterly sumptuous wine. A little time in the glass revealed further glories – a vibrant black cherry/cassis character, along with hints of delicatessen meats. The wine is poised, taut and offers exemplary focus, balance and intensity, along with great length, power and finesse. This is a truly superb 707, finishing as intensely as it started. It will provide pleasure for the long haul, at least 20 to 30 years.

Coonawarra, Barossa Valley, Padthaway and McLaren Vale; matured 18 months in 100% new American oak

The grand juxtaposition of densely compacted power and towering structure that set Bin 707 off with epic longevity are heightened in the cool nights of 2022. A deep singularity of blackcurrant and cassis sets the definition of varietal integrity, with all the impact of Penfolds’ new American oak impacting layers of high cocoa dark chocolate and immense tannin scaffolding. For all of its expansive proportions, it retains consummate control and tightly-coiled endurance that will sustain it confidently for half a century.

Cabernet sauvignon from Coonawarra, Barossa Valley, Padthaway and McLaren Vale. 18 months in 100% new American oak.

There’s an argument to say that this is the absolute archetype of the Penfolds style. Peppermint, vanilla, blackcurrant, bay leaves and woodsmoke, peppercorns wrapped in milk chocolate, black olive characters diving beneath the sweet headiness of the fruit and oak, graphite aspects too. It’s beautiful fruit, made in the Penfolds style, with sweet-balanced tannin leading out to a long, poised finish. This is a muscular red wine with the smoothness of oil. It looks good for drinking even now, as intense as it is, but it will outlive most of us.

Deep dense purple-red hue; coconut, mocha/coffee grounds and black fruits to sniff, very ripe and the high-toned varietal aromas are not there, instead the secondary and wood-matured characteristics rule. The wine is very full-bodied and dense, concentrated, power-packed and loaded with character. Lashings of oak and tannin. Needs a lot of time. (Coonawarra, Barossa Valley, Padthaway & McLaren Vale. 18 months in 100% new American oak) 03 JUL 2024

As is to be expected, the 2022 Bin 707 appears almost opaque in the glass with a characteristic fruit weight and intensity of flavour. Densely packed, pure blackberry, black cherry and blackcurrant fruits with hints of baking spices, kirsch, cedar, choc-mint, ironstone, bay leaf, polished leather, berry cream, earth and coal dust. Powerful, muscular and weighty with an array of compact tannins and a thick-shouldered sway to its gait as it slowly trails away. A classic and one for the cellar.