Penfolds Bin 169 Cabernet Sauvignon 2008

This is the second release of the Bin 169, the first being in 1973, and is 100% Coonawarra in origin. This wine is very different to the 707 as it is 100% French oak and from a single.  It is brilliant to see a Cabernet of this quality in French oak as I think the match between variety and vessel is better suited. While the Bin 169 doesn't drink as well as the 707 at this stage,  the quality and structure of this wine will benefit from extended cellaring. On a separate note this years luxury release from Penfolds is very strong with all wines being of high to extreme on the quality scale.

Penfolds Bin 169 Cabernet Sauvignon 2008

Oh so elegant and structured! The tannins are like liquid gold as they expand and conquer my mouth.  The easy flow of heavy yet light and rustic tannins is so beautiful I don't really care about the flavours and there are so many flavours it is scary.  Blackcurrant, plum skin, spice, cedar, sage, etc... it is too much to take that they have crammed so much into one bottle. Like all good Cabernet this will need a decade or two for it to open out and show some loving but when it does sit back and relax.   The finish of this wine is specular as it goes on forever, in fact the wine took so long to finish because the flavours and texture stayed so long in my mouth I didn't need to go back for another sip.

Alcohol: 14.5%
Price: $250
Rated: 95++
Drink: 2023 - 2050