Penfolds Bin 704 Napa Cabernet 2020 Rated 94DM

Decanter Magazine Review
Rated 94
Penfolds fans know that Bin numbers are not just random digits, but come with a story behind them. Bin 704 was named as it is the reverse, or opposite, of its initial inspiration, Bin 407: both seek to express the character of Cabernet Sauvignon, but one from a single appellation (Napa Valley) and the other from multiple (South Australia). Despite the challenges of the vintage, this is an approachable, fresh, sweetly fruited wine that sings of red and black hedgerow berries, warm slate, violets and vanilla-flecked custard slice. There's ample grip from the fine, cocoa-dust tannins and the oak (16 months in French barriques, 40% new) is well integrated. Drinking Window 2023-2045.

Wine Tasting Notes
The mirror image of its Australian Bin 407 stablemate, Penfolds Bin 704 Napa Cabernet Sauvignon seeks to showcase California fruit through the lens of Penfolds winemaking tradition. Mindful of regional nuances and regional essence, it redefines all that Napa Valley Cabernet can be.

• NOSE - Varietally on point. Cassis notes abound, with satsuma plum paste adding to a rather charming aromatic profile. From the pasticceria, a generous selection of sweet delights: sfogliatella pastry, cinnamon scrolls and bomboloni. Notes of raw nutmeg, mace and allspice hover over dried tobacco and sage. Pencil shavings allude to varietal nuance and maturation in quality French oak.
• PALATE - There is a generous sweet core of fruit that offers plenty of flesh right across the palate. Cassis persists on the palate, with baked blackberry pie pastry flavors. Mulberries add a dark, slightly leafy nuance, balanced by the impression of fresh pouring cream. Baking spices abound. The acidity is tight and persistent, a lovely foil to the generous fruits and fine-grained tannins. There is the slightest suggestion of olive brine and kalamata tapenade rounding out a lovely medium bodied wine.
• GRAPE VARIETY - Cabernet Sauvignon
• SOURCING - Napa Valley
• ALCOHOL - 14.5%