2019 Penfolds 'Bin 704' Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley
Steeped in Penfolds winemaking tradition yet still embracing modernity, Bin 704 seeks to redefine Napa Valley cabernet through a Penfolds lens. Being mindful of varietal nuances, regional essence and silk-like textural definition, the wine is nurtured in French barriques for maturation. Impressive is the cyclical nature of viticulture and winemaking, and Penfolds recognises that different hemispheres often end up being the mirror image of the other. The name Bin 704 draws inspiration from the “mirror” or “reverse” image of its Australian Bin 407 stablemate, a wine which also respects varietal expression.
Penfolds has a very long and meandering history, and represents generations of winemaking knowledge in action. In 1844, Dr. Christopher and Mary Penfold planted vineyards at Magill Estate near Adelaide. The first Penfolds wines, from the 1800s, were made from newly established vineyards around Adelaide and made for the enjoyment of new South Australian colonists. During the first part of the 20th century, Penfolds gradually added significant acreage and became a household name across Australia. It exported table and fortified wines throughout the Commonwealth. After a visit to France in 1950, Penfolds chief winemaker Max Schubert dreamed bigger, wanting to dramatically expand the winery’s export presence, as the French had. The iconic Penfolds Grange came forth in 1951, leading to a remarkable parade of wines that would bring Penfolds wines worldwide acclaim for their richness, consistency, and longevity.
Wine Enthusiast
This Napa wine from the Australian-based producer over delivers on its price point, offering tremendous flavor, complexity and approachability in its youth. Expansive in dense black and red fruit, cocoa powder and silky tannin, it offers breadth and depth and is intensely compelling.
Wine Advocate
The fruit for the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Bin 704 is from across Napa Valley, and the classy fruit is shaped by French oak (40% new) and firm tannins through the finish. This is supple and sweet and shows blood plum, raspberry, red licorice and even cocoa. The wine is long and lingering and shapely. Sophisticated.