2020 Bin 149 Cabernet Sauvignon

The 2020 Bin 149 is a new world blend of Napa and South Australian Cabernet Sauvignon. There’s appreciable power delivered with blackcurrant, mulberry and blackberry aromas with an attractive leafy lift. It’s then well constructed with graphite flavors and mixed dark berries with a juicy feel. The tannins are well weighted and compact to keep the wine in good shape. An attractive generosity of fruit and excellent length will keep this wine in prime condition over the medium term.

Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley and South Australia. The 2020 season in Napa Valley was challenging: COVID restrictions and wildfires. South Australia also faced viticultural challenges with below-average winter rainfall and a cool, dry spring delaying flowering and fruit set. A state-wide heatwave in December then necessitated irrigation (but was followed by cooler conditions and rainfall). 'Bunch weights and berry numbers were generally low across the state', Penfolds report. Aged for 16 months in French oak (80% new) and American oak (20% new) barriques. TA 6.6 g/l, pH 3.63. Dark purplish crimson. Ripe Australian Cabernet fragrance on the nose. Very sweet on the palate with a certain eucalyptus perfume and definitely more obvious tannin than most Napa Valley vintners would be happy with. I’d wait a little while before broaching this. (JR)

A \'wine of the world\'. Chocolatey and dense, with some green bean, dried lavender and menthol piquancy marking the nose. The sweet mocha of the American oak (20%) showing its wares. This imparts lift and savoriness, making for good balance and drinkability. Lathered with plenty of oak, the weight and extract of the wine is nevertheless up for it, absorbing it effortlessly amidst the fray of currant and graphite. This is an intriguing wine of considerable personality. Very good drinking. Drink or hold.