Penfolds, one of Australia’s most iconic and influential wineries, has shaped the modern identity of Australian fine wine. Bin 707 stands as the flagship Cabernet Sauvignon of the Penfolds portfolio — a wine crafted with the same uncompromising philosophy as Grange but expressed through the lens of pure Cabernet. Concentrated, structural, and built for longevity, Bin 707 is typically sourced from the best South Australian vineyards capable of producing fruit of remarkable depth and power. The 1990 vintage is widely recognised as one of the great early-era 707 releases.
Vineyard
Bin 707 is traditionally a multi-regional blend, drawing from Penfolds’ finest Cabernet parcels across Coonawarra, Barossa Valley, Padthaway, and other premium sites. The 1990 vintage benefited from exceptional fruit quality from low-yielding, mature vineyards grown on terra rossa, clay loams, and ancient red soils — producing small, intensely flavoured berries. Penfolds’ hallmark approach of selecting only the most concentrated, structurally pristine Cabernet ensures a wine of formidable presence and ageing capacity.
Vintage
1990 was a superb vintage across South Australia, producing ripe, powerful, and beautifully balanced wines with excellent tannin maturity. Warm, consistent ripening and low disease pressure resulted in Cabernet of exceptional density and structural finesse. The year is often cited as one of the standout vintages of the early 1990s for Penfolds, and 707 was a major beneficiary of the conditions.
Winemaking
The fruit was fermented in stainless steel and matured in predominantly new American oak hogsheads — a signature Penfolds approach that enhances power, spice, and longevity. The wine underwent extended maturation to integrate its bold structure, resulting in a Cabernet built for decades in the cellar. The 1990 release was bottled during a period of stylistic evolution for 707, shifting toward greater refinement and varietal clarity while maintaining its classic muscular frame.
Tasting Notes
The 1990 Penfolds Bin 707 Cabernet Sauvignon opens with mature, complex aromas of blackberry, blackcurrant, cedar, tobacco leaf, mint, leather, and warm spices. The palate is full-bodied, concentrated, and richly layered, offering dark fruit, cigar box, cocoa, and savoury earth. Firm but resolved tannins provide structure, while well-integrated American oak adds sweetness, spice, and depth. The finish is long, harmonious, and deeply satisfying — a beautifully evolved 707 at peak maturity.
Ageing Profile & Status
Now considered a classic, fully mature Bin 707
Exceptional balance between tertiary complexity and remaining freshness
Highly prized by collectors for its rarity and historical significance
Capable of continued cellaring, though drinking superbly now
Technical Information
Region: South Australia (multi-regional blend)
Producer: Penfolds
Variety: Cabernet Sauvignon
Alcohol: ~13.5%
Oak: Predominantly new American oak hogsheads
Style: Full-bodied, powerful, age-worthy
Drinking Window: Now–2030
A Collectible Gem
The 1990 Penfolds Bin 707 Cabernet Sauvignon is a magnificent mature Australian classic — powerful, layered, and beautifully resolved. A must-have for collectors seeking historic early-era 707 in exceptional drinking condition.
