Bin 169 Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon 2016 Bin 169 Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon 2016

The Penfolds Collection

Bin 169 Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon 2016

Created to reflect a Penfolds contemporary winemaking approach, emphasising both regionality and maturation of cabernet sauvignon in fine-grained French oak. A style that is immediately Penfolds, whilst simultaneously illustrative of its ongoing search for diversity and style separation. An honest reflection of the region bearing testament of Penfolds longstanding commitment to the vineyards of Coonawarra.

When To Drink
Continue cellaring. Peak drinking 2022 - 2042.
Listen to Taste Description
Taste Description

Colour
Vibrant dark red

Nose
Instantly, varietal Coonawarra, replete with terra rossa dust.
Agreed, aromatically ticks all the regional/varietal boxes: primarily blackcurrant, crème de cassis, black olive, aniseed, and a hint of violet.
Yet there’s much more to intrigue – cinnamon bark/stick, chocolate truffle dust/copha powder, dried porcini mushroom.
Oak well hidden, hesitantly arising sometime later sitting in glass. Surely not ashamed at being completely new?
And French. Unlikely.

Palate
Defined – structurally, an assertive firm line striding across a buffed core.
And yet, still lively and vivacious – an intriguing palate that unfolds, or more aptly volatilises/sublimes.
Flavours suggestive of Italian meats (shaved ham, prosciutto and venison), overlaying a cedar/spice base.
Lively acidity and phenolics – cranberry and pomegranate the offending partners. Cranberry the major suspect, consorted by pomegranate. Rhubarb not reported.
Sits confidently on palate. Balanced, complete.

Scores

97 Points - Joe Czerwinski, Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

97 Points - Tyson Stelzer

97 Points - James Halliday

96 Points - Huon Hooke

95 Points - Campbell Mattinson

19++ - Matthew Jukes 

94 Points - Anthony Rose, Decanter

94 Points - Andrew Caillard MW

19++ - Matthew Jukes

17 - Jancis Robinson 

 

Winemaker Quotes

“Delivered to blueprint – regional, cool climate and chalky cabernet.”

“Tight and focussed. Tightly-wound. Tense. Textbook.”

“Be selfish – don’t share. Well, only if you must. Sparingly.”

- Peter Gago, Penfolds Chief Winemaker

Technical Information

Origin: Coonawarra, South Australia.

Maturation: 13 months in new French oak hogsheads.

Wine Analysis: Alc/Vol: 14.5%, Acidity: 3.61 g/L, pH: 6.7.

Variety: Cabernet Sauvignon.

Vintage Conditions
Rainfall was significantly below the long-term average for the entire growing season, while above average temperatures prevailed. Budburst, flowering, veraison and harvest were all earlier than expected of Coonawarra. The time between budburst and flowering was the fastest on record at 58 days. December was especially warm with nine days recorded over 35°C. By contrast January and February were much milder, delivering an extended ripening period that was ideal for high quality cabernet sauvignon.
 
History

Bin 169 Cabernet Sauvignon is one of our newest regional Coonawarra wines.  This gorgeously scented and richly concentrated wine is steeped in the origins of our modern winemaking traditions. 

A contemporary showcase of cabernet and Coonawarra. 

VIEW TASTING NOTES AS PDF (49 kB)

“Delivered to blueprint – regional, cool climate and chalky cabernet.”

Peter Gago

Penfolds Chief Winemaker

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