I recently reviewed a bottle of 2008, and it was holding up beautifully, so I decided to pull a 2013 and see how it had evolved.
I always approach a Bin 407 (and all Penfolds) with intense anticipation, especially if it has some age under its belt. The 2013 vintage is no exception, being a great vintage in South Australia.
The 407 has always stood in the shadows of the 707, but it is a worthy inclusion to any cellar, assuming you like quality Australian Cabernet, of course. This, like most of the Penfolds wines, is a multi-vineyard, multi-regional blend. I’ve been a fan of Penfolds and the 407 Cabernet for several decades, which never disappoints. This is cut from the same cloth as the 707, but at about a quarter of the cost- excellent drinking, excellent value.
The 2013 Bin 407 fruit is sourced from McLaren Vale, Padthaway, Coonawarra, Wrattonbully and the Barossa Valley, with maturation taking place in a combination of French oak (26% new) and American oak hogsheads (12% new, 35% 1 y.o. and 27% seasoned) for a period of 12 months.
Beautiful aromatics present black currant and cassis, which dominate, with traces of sweet tobacco, licorice, and oak/vanilla nuances. Unmistakably Cabernet.
The palate is velvet smooth, loaded with layers of blackberries, black currants, cassis, and plum, with secondary notes of sweet tobacco, leather, dark chocolate, olives, licorice, and spices. Impeccable balance with everything in its place. Fine-grain tannins and agreeable acidity are in perfect harmony; there are no jagged edges with this wine.
This wine possesses a discreet, elegant quality about it, and has no doubt benefited from 13 years of aging. The tight assertiveness of the palate needs another 5 – 10 years to fully integrate, or a few hours of decant time in the meantime.
I believe this has another 8 – 10 years before reaching its peak drinking window.
Food pairings should include red meat in your favorite recipe.
Vine to Table 