Penfolds : Bin 169 Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon 2018

In effect, this is to Bin 707 as RWT is to Grange, a single-region expression of a classic regional variety, aged in 100% French oak. Would that it were priced similarly to RWT, but production is more limited, and the Chinese have seemingly fallen in love in Cabernet. The 2018 Bin 169 Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon (there was no 2017 bottled) boasts sumptuous aromas of ripe cassis, accented by hints of vanilla, cedar shavings, tobacco and baking spices. It's full-bodied, plush and velvety, but with a firm spine at its core that drives home the lengthy finish and strong varietal identity. Ideally, it needs a few years in the cellar to show its best, with potential longevity of two decades or more.

Everything alluring about Cabernet is on show here: regal lift and power on the nose, then a more subtle reveal on the palate through gossamer layers of cranberry, cassis, raspberry and fresh-cut herbs. Nothing showy but every component is in its right place. This proud declaration speaks deliberately of region and varietal character, and its bedrock of firm black tannins suggests that it has much more to reveal as it matures. Not available in the UK.

A very elegantly complex nose with meticulously fresh aromas that range from red florals to violets, blueberries, redcurrants, blackcurrants and such sweetly perfumed cedary-oak spice. The palate has a very elegant, focused and piercingly central delivery of fine tannins, carrying pristine redcurrant and blackcurrant flavors. Seamlessly long, super fine and really packed with concentrated, contained, red-cherry and redcurrant flavors. Impressive. Drink or hold.

Deep, dark, opaque ruby with purple reflections and very delicate edge brightening. Fine herbal savoriness, a smoky backdrop with fresh red forest berries, a hint of currant, nuances of orange blossom and clove, an attractive bouquet. Powerful yet juicy and elegant, black fruit, a hint of crème de cassis, ripe, rounded tannins, good freshness, mineral and persistent, a finely sweet finish, some nougat, will benefit from further bottle ageing.