An amazing example of pedigree South Australian cabernet sauvignon is the Bin 707, often cited as the cabernet sauvignon version of the legendary Grange shiraz. I really like the 707, whilst I only reserve for special occasions, there are times a 707 is warranted.
The first vintage was back in 1964; relatively young for a wine if you hail from the old world. For the rest of us from the southern hemisphere, this is relatively old. The Penfolds winery has been around since 1844, legendary winemaker Max Schubert came up with the Bin releases. The 707 is often described as the reflection of Grange, the 1998 vintage has a cellaring potential up to 2040, With the first vintages from 1964 to 1969, the drinking window is past with the exception of the 1966 vintage.
The 707 was produced again from 1976 to now with the 1981, 1995, 1997, 2000, 2003 and 2011 vintages skipped; one presumes because the fruit was not up to Penfolds lofty standards. I am guessing the fruit was redirected to other wines in their range. Looking forward to soon pulling the cork out of a 1990 vintage that was supposed to be drunk up to 2015 so I had better get organised. There would be nothing worse than leaving a bottle too long, well dropping the bottle I suppose – but you know what I mean.
Observations in an undemocratic world 