87/100
3 Stars
Huon Hooke
Rhubarb, tomato bush nose; a bit green/stemmy. Minty and raw. Palate is also raw: seems to have needed more time in wood. Firm and tight. Now to 10 years.
Tasted: 27/09/2007
Drink: N/A
"The 1996 Penfolds wines really are the business. Not had a 1996 407 for a year or two but as suspected it is turning into a champion.
Still a youthful strong red purple colour. Quite closed initally but opens up to reveal cassis, aniseed, a touch of capsicum and attractive cedar oak. On the palate it is dense with grainy ripe tannins and flavours of blackcurrant, licorice and mocha. Beautifully balanced and not a hint of alcoholic heat. This wine is yet to reveal its full potential but is certainly developing more complexity each time I taste it. To quote a known Melbourne wine identity – “This wine has years up it”.
Rated : 93+ Points
Tasted : Feb06
Alcohol : 13.5%
Closure : Cork
Drink : 2006 - 2016+
Gary Walsh, The Wine Front, 9 February 2006