2021 Penfolds Bin 149 Cabernet, Cabernet Franc, California South Australia

Cabernet sauvignon of textbook definition and structure reflects one of the finest seasons in recent years in both the Napa Valley and South Australia. Blackcurrant and cassis are nuanced with black olive and tobacco leaf. French and American oak heighten strong, fine-grained tannins and add nuances of high cocoa dark chocolate to a long and enduring finish.

94 points tysonstelzer.com

91/9% cabernet sauvignon/cabernet franc; matured in French and American oak for 16 months. The confluence of two countries, with fruit from Napa Valley in the US and from South Australia, this is an immediately eye-catching wine. Pure of fruit with ripe plum and dark berry fruits cut with hints of baking spices, olive tapenade, panforte, dark chocolate, cedar, sarsaparilla, dried meats and earth. The franc component lends a gentle, leafy, dried herbal nuance. The tannins are tight and fine and the wine's purity, presence and flow impress greatly.

94 points Dave Brookes winecompanion.com.au

Penfolds Bin 149 Cabernet Sauvignon seeks out Northern Hemisphere excellence via meticulous vineyard and block selection, reinforced by flagship-worthy South Australian Cabernet Sauvignon. The result is distinctive, and of distinction. Bin 149’s name is derived from the percentage of South Australian Cabernet Sauvignon that was synergistically woven into the inaugural 2018 release. Napa Valley regional sourcing seeks to showcase strong tannic foundations, dark fruit intensity but with the added dimension of a unique “worldly” disposition. Matured in French and American oak, this release highlights Penfolds commitment to quality and winemaking approach.

91% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Cabernet Franc

Dark purple, black core. Immediately captivating and expressive; an opulent and stylistically perfumed bouquet that exudes sophistication. A complex tapestry of black fruits unravels, revealing layers of blackberry conserve interwoven with inkwell minerality. Undertones of ferrous metal lend an earthy gravitas, while charred notes of roasted peppers and bresaola add depth and savoriness. The medley is accentuated by the subtle brininess of kalamata olives and nuanced by the freshness of green coffee beans. Hints of mulberry leaves complete this aromatic profile, showcasing its multifaceted nature.

Upon tasting, the palate unfolds with a burst of blueberry freshness, balanced by an undercurrent of Sarsaparilla and baking spice. A procession of cherries dipped in dark chocolate parades across the palate, escorted by the rich intensity of mulberries/blackberry coulis. The savoury flavours emerge through radicchio lettuce, adding an intriguing bitter edge that contrasts beautifully with the sweetness above. Layers continue to unfold as danish pastries and panforte integrate with sundried tomato pastry.

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