Penfolds Bin 149 Wine of the World Cabernet Sauvignon 2019
Winemaker Notes:
Plum core, crimson rim with a glossy sheen. There is an otherworldly aromatic element that is hard to define, a natural result of two hemispheres united by one winemaking philosophy. The Arabian spice souk leads the charge: dark, savory spice blends – harissa, baharat, cloves, nutmeg, pimento, cinnamon, fennel, anise. Deli meats provide further appeal: pastrami, jamón ibérico, finocchiona. Generous fruits, fresh punnets of blackberry, cassis liqueur, dehydrated blood orange. Pistachio ice-cream, pistachio nougat, shavings of bitter orange chocolate and cola. A spicy dust tickles, tantalizing. For a nose that is so spicy, the plush generous fruit driven palate is entirely surprising. Licorice, 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.
Critical Acclaim:
96+ Points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Bin 149 saw 100% new oak, 80% French and 20% American. The fruit here is really powerful and drives the wine through the front palate, middle and finish. It is concentrated and long and undeterred. This is seriously smart and shows precision and detail in both the winemaking and fruit. The three Californian wines form an equal step up each time of quality, concentration and complexity—as it should be, frankly—which makes for very satisfying drinking. It contains 10.9% Australian Cabernet Sauvignon (a blend of A1 grade Coonawarra and Barossa Valley). This will drink very well early, but it will also cellar gracefully for over a decade or more. My assessment of the blend in this instance is that the sweetness of the American and Australian fruit find simpatico with one another—the dovetail is seamless.
Rating: 96+
