Penfolds - RWT Bin 798 2023

Jancis Robinson

Colin Hay

Decanter Magazine

Even though this wine earned its Bin status with the 1997 vintage, the Red Winemaking Trial acronym has stuck. Always a generous, polished, modern take on Shiraz (and always matured in French oak hogsheads, here 69% new, for 14 months) in this tricky growing season it is more composed than its usual blockbuster style, thanks to a crunchy seam of acidity that gives real energy and focus. But RWT fans will still find those plush tannins and dense, chewy concentrated fruit core they love: black brambles, Turkish coffee, Black Forest gateau, steak seasoning and root beer sweetness. Time will soften the still quite present oak, and it will reward over the next two decades. Released at £125.

Jane Anson - Inside Bordeaux

The Wine Front

James Suckling

Polished and focused aromas of blackcurrants, crushed stones, blueberries, cedar, tobacco leaves and iodine. The palate is full-bodied with seamlessly integrated tannins and a silky mouthfeel that persists in a long, fragrant and deeply complex finish. Pure, refined and clear. Drink or hold.

Robert Parker Wine Advocate

The Bin 169 is Cabernet Sauvignon from Coonawarra and matured in French oak. The 2022 Bin 169 Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon is succulent and fresh. Certainly, it is powerfully structured and concentrated but manages vitality and detail. It is Coonawarra more than anything, and in a great, ferruginous, pure sort of way. In terms of context, I like this vintage as much as the 2010 vintage, which I view to be the greatest Bin 169 made since its inception in 2008. I note that I have historically given the 2019 a higher score the 2021; however, on other occasions have scored it several points lower. Different bottles, different environments. 14.5% alcohol, sealed under natural cork. Stylistically, this cuvée tends to be viewed as an elegant iteration of Cabernet Sauvignon, within the context of the collection. This is true, to a certain extent. However, it is possessed of imposing structure and firm tannins, the impact of which is softened in the Bin 707 due to its élevage in American oak. This rigid, imposing, tannin structure of the Bin 169 is indicative of the style inherent in Coonawarra, and it sits well within the wine. While I prefer French oak influence in Cabernet generally, I find the Bin 169 wine has less flesh and less cushioning than its sibling 707 and will evolve in a leafier,