Penfolds

Bin 707 Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 Magnum 1.5L

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  Vintage 2009
  93+ points www.thewinefront.com.au

Tasted in the privacy of my home. Roast coconut, nougat and vanilla ice-cream oak, American of course, and I don''t quite know how it works here - but it does. There''s mixed ripe berries of all colours, some mint and chocolate - plenty of ripe, almost juicy berried fruit, but there''s a disrupting underlying saltiness that pares back the freshness and nags quietly in the back ground - these pretzels are makin'' me thirsty! Full bodied, with grippy firm tannin that offers good control and long-term shaping. Feels marginally dried out on the finish - though it''s a long and good one. Potential, of course. Re-tasted 24 hours later and progressing according to plan - better integration and freshness - it will become a very good 707.

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  Vintage 2009
  96 points www.tysonstelzer.com

Benchmark 707, exact in every way, from the first waft of pristine violet fragrance to a finish that lingers into tomorrow. Such is the sheer determination of pure blackcurrant brilliance that flashes of eucalypt, mint and even 100% new American oak pale into the background. Sensational definition and intensity powers through a finish of epic stamina. Structure is earth-shaking; classic 707 of firm, fine, mouth-evading presence. The fifth consecutive vintage of 707 that has not dipped below 96 points in my score sheet must confirm this to rank alongside Grange as Australia''s most consistent fine wine benchmark. After a one-third price hike, it''s still but one-tenth the price of First Growth Bordeaux.