1998 - Penfolds, Bin 707 Cabernet Sauvignon

Crushed rose petals and peony on the nose, love the floral character here, maybe get a faint blush of heat which I haven't had on any of the other wines so far but again this low hum of energy and momentum through the palate, with pomegranate and mandarin peel alongside the more classic cassis and blackberry fruits, liqourice root. So much crackle to it, good intensity through the palate, the tannins feel resolved and elongated, and they are building up through the palate without being drying. Great quality. Feels at that beautiful tipping point between young and old, back to the choco mint blast. 40% Coonawarra fruit, 100% new American oak.

Saturated bright, deep ruby. Captivating aromas of blackcurrant, lead pencil, tar, vanilla, mint and bourbon; the oak contributes an incense quality without overpowering the wine other aromatic components. Supple, juicy and intensely flavored, with bright, ripe acids framing the fruit and giving the wine lovely inner-mouth perfume. Lively and consistent from start to finish. Finishes very long, with ripe tannins and a note of bitter chocolate. A particularly strong vintage for this wine.