Log in / Sign up Penfolds Bin 149 Napa Valley X South Australia Cabernet Sauvignon 2019
Wine Of The World
The Penfolds Bin 149 Cabernet Sauvignon embarks on a quest for excellence in the Northern Hemisphere, meticulously selecting vineyards and blocks to craft a wine that harmoniously combines with the flagship-worthy South Australian cabernet sauvignon. The outcome is truly distinctive, embodying a sense of true distinction. The name "Bin 149" reflects the proportion of South Australian cabernet sauvignon skillfully interwoven into the blend, resulting in a symphony of flavors.
Drawing inspiration from Napa Valley's terroir, this wine is sourced regionally to accentuate robust tannic foundations and an intense presence of dark fruit, while also incorporating a unique "worldly" character. Maturation in a blend of French and American oak further accentuates Penfolds' unwavering commitment to quality and their meticulous winemaking philosophy.
Excellent winter rainfall ensured the soil was fully saturated at the beginning of the growing season. Spring was cooler and wetter than recent years, resulting in a two-week delay to budburst and flowering. May rainfall was especially helpful in maintaining the soil moisture profile. Warm summer weather had the vines moving along well making up for the slow start to the season. August was characterised by warm days and cool nights, optimal conditions for veraison. Harvest across the region was one to two weeks later than usual with yields close to long-term average. A good vintage for cabernet sauvignon, with grapes showing bright acidity, powdery tannins, and strong varietal flavours.
17 Months In French (80% New) And American Oak (20% New).
Red Meat
This young wine needs time to unfurl. A decant is recommended. There is much to sensorially ponder as it slowly emerges from its slumber. First, an abundance of dark fruits, condensed, concentrated, alluring. A confit of blackberries and mulberries. Crème de cassis. Hydrocarbon notes of tar and gravel arouse thoughts of freshly poured bitumen, morphing gradually into a flinty barrel ferment character. Mechanical scents of steam engines, forged steel, gun oil and iron filings add to the mystique. The allure of polished leather, synonymous with the equestrian tack shop. Chocolate éclair, icing sugar, fresh licorice and cola provide sweet notes, while lavender and violets add a floral perfume. Black pepper and umami notes of smoked beef offer further enticement.
For a nose that is so spicy, the plush generous fruit driven palate is entirely surprising. Liquorice, poached quince, fresh black figs, summer berry pudding with icing sugar dusting. The palate is focused, tapering to a fine point, defined. Fine and grainy tannins hold the layers of fruit together, offering papery texture/complexity. A succulent red fruit finish leaves a steely edge. Approachable, certainly. However, a patient spell in the cellar will deliver ample reward.
