Penfolds Bin 169 Cabernet Sauvignon 2018

Bin 169 represents Penfolds' contemporary approach to Cabernet Sauvignon, emphasising regional character from Coonawarra while showcasing fine-grained French oak maturation. Unlike the more approachable Bin 407, this wine delivers greater oak integration and concentration, making it ideal for collectors who appreciate structured, age-worthy Cabernets with proper grunt and complexity.

Coonawarra's famous terra rossa soil over limestone creates ideal conditions for Cabernet Sauvignon, producing wines with distinctive savoury characteristics and fine tannin structure. This 2018 Bin 169 exemplifies the region's ability to craft elegant yet powerful Cabernets, with the cool climate preserving natural acidity while allowing full flavour development in the blackcurrant and cassis spectrum.

With its substantial tannin structure and French oak backbone, this 2018 Bin 169 is built for extended cellaring and will continue developing complexity for 15-20 years. The persistent tannins and concentrated fruit profile suggest it will hit its stride around 2025-2028, though it's already showing beautifully now for those who enjoy structured, full-bodied wines.

The wine's savoury, dry palate and substantial tannin grip make it perfect for rich, protein-heavy dishes like aged beef, lamb with herbs, or mature hard cheeses. The mulberry and blackberry flavours complement game meats beautifully, while the oak tannins on the finish can stand up to bold flavours like blue cheese or dark chocolate desserts.

The exceptional scores from Tony Love and Huon Hooke (both 98 points) reflect this wine's outstanding balance of regional expression and winemaking excellence. These ratings recognise not just the immediate quality, but the wine's aging potential and its successful demonstration of Penfolds' contemporary approach to premium Cabernet Sauvignon from one of Australia's most celebrated regions.