Penfolds Bin 704 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2022
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. The name Bin 704 draws inspiration as a Northern hemisphere reflection of its Australian Bin 407 stablemate.
The 2022 vintage brings Napa Valley’s varietal nuances with Penfolds House Style in a showcase of succulent, generous black fruit and slate-like tannins. Drinking beautifully in youth, it promises to indulge with bottle maturation.
A gentle swirl introduces warm and inviting aromatics, with comforting notes reminiscent of a French pâtisserie. First noted, sweet, creamy scents of vanilla custard and Portuguese tarts. A nod to winemaking is evident through the characteristic barrel fermentation note, a synergetic meld of fruit and oak which introduces a layer of complexity. An unexpected twist comes from the scent of cordite, enriched by the herbal freshness of bay leaf. The aroma is rounded off with a touch of dustiness, suggesting aromatic complexity is driven by both varietal and terroir influences.
Slate-like tannins create a firm yet flexible structure, producing tension in the mouthfeel. The aromatic spectrum is reproduced on the palate. The warm, comforting notes of blueberry muffins and cinnamon cake add a homely familiarity. The mid-palate is ably supported by generous dark cherry flavours. A blend of red and blue fruits is present, with the juicy vibrancy of redcurrant standing out. The acidity is refreshing, invigorating the fruit flavours and ensuring a bright and engaging tasting experience. Drinking beautifully in the flush of youth, with more to promise for those with discipline.
