Penfolds is perhaps South Australia’s most internationally renowned wine brand producing some of the finest and most respected Australian wines out there. First started in 1844, today Penfolds wines are enjoyed around the world. Their wine labels, traditionally labelled by Bin number (no relation to quality just where the wines were historically stored in the cellars), range from around A$30 to the iconic Penfolds Grange (Bin 95) which now retails for around A$950 depending on the vintage.
I hope to try a lot of what Penfolds has to offer over the coming months and the Magill Estate is high on my list of priority visits but I was lucky enough to be treated to a bottle of their Bin 407 on my birthday. This is Penfolds Cabernet Sauvignon which is one of my favourite red grape varieties and I was very excited to try the full-bodied beast I was expecting it to be. I drank the 2010 vintage which was 14.5% ABV and 100% Cabernet Sauvignon – the 407 is made from a blend of grapes from regions across South Australia.
This was the richest wine I have ever seen in a glass, such a deep colour it almost looked thick. On the nose I was initially hit by rich dark cherry and blackcurrant with charred wood coming through, the alcohol was certainly evident too. On tasting the dark fruit folded into the delicious rounded oak notes with charred wood, cedar, pencil shavings evident. Day 1 of drinking this wine the tannins were so powerful, I could feel them gripping my teeth and sucking my gums like never before. I read one review that gave the 2010 a drinking window to 2040 and I believe them, day two after opening and an hour letting it breath it was unbelievable – smooth and soft with all the flavours still there, it didn’t over-power it was impressive but elegant.
Oh and if you’re wondering – I didn’t drink it on the beach…but Glenelg South beach is absolutely stunning it had to be the beautiful backdrop.
