Tasting Notes
Robert Parker – 87
One of the deeper colored wines in Penfolds’ portfolio is the 2001 Cabernet Sauvignon Bin 707. Aromas of forest floor, underbrush, black currants, and old wood emerge from this medium-bodied Cabernet. A clipped finish again suggests a bizarre fascination with low pH and acid levels that has nothing to do with the vineyard, terroir, vintage character, or pleasure. Nevertheless, there is enough black currant fruit to pull this wine into the acceptable category. Drink it over the next 7-8 years. Penfolds needs to take a long, critical look at its winemaking philosophy. This is the great name in Australian winedom, and they should be a leader and reference point for fine winemaking. Obviously, they have access to some tremendous vineyard sites, and from a budgetary standpoint, they appear capable of doing anything they want. What is the purpose of sculpting wines that are essentially the products of a few oenologists connecting the dots and making wines by the numbers? The lack of naturalness and soul in these wines is worrisome. Importer: PWG Vintners, Napa, CA; tel. (707) 996-4504
Anticipated maturity: 2004-2012
Vinous – 88
Full red-ruby. Spicy, high-toned nose dominated by tar and bourbon notes of American oak, along with hints of moss and loam. Lush and sweet in the mouth, with nicely concentrated flavors of currant, plum, tobacco and coffee. Finishes with fresh fruit but also a distinctly dry edge from the oak. Will this wine ever really integrate its heavy dose of wood?
