| Winery |
Penfolds Bin 169 Cabernet Sauvignon Coonawarra 2018 |
| Vintage |
2018 |
| Region |
Australia |
| Grape |
Cabernet Sauvignon |
| Style |
Red Wine |
| Sweetness |
Dry |
| Body |
Full |
| Tasting note |
This is a close relative of RWT Bin 798 – single region and 100% French oak – and is dramatically different from Bin 707. This is a purist's cabernet, turning its face on the mastery of the regional blending that is the birthmark of the Penfolds red wine style. Vive la difference. Tannin is the heartbeat here, cassis and olive tapenade wrapped around the tannin, not vice versa. A roasted side of baby lamb is the way to go. By James Halliday.
In effect, this is to Bin 707 as RWT is to Grange, a single-region expression of a classic regional variety, aged in 100% French oak. Would that it were priced similarly to RWT, but production is more limited, and the Chinese have seemingly fallen in love in Cabernet. The 2018 Bin 169 Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon (there was no 2017 bottled) boasts sumptuous aromas of ripe cassis, accented by hints of vanilla, cedar shavings, tobacco and baking spices. It's full-bodied, plush and velvety, but with a firm spine at its core that drives home the lengthy finish and strong varietal identity. Ideally, it needs a few years in the cellar to show its best, with potential longevity of two decades or more. Drink: 2025-2045. By Joe Czerwinski @ Wine Advocate, Jul 2020. |
| Rating |
JH97 / WA96 |
| ABV |
14.5% |
| Size |
750ml |
