Ranked #50 of 201 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon from South Australia
92/100
4 Stars
Huon Hooke
Deep-ish red-purple colour and a distinctive cabernet aroma showing stemmy, stalky and herbal notes with a suggestion of tomato bush. The palate is very intense, penetrating and focused, with great precision and persistence. This is an impressive Bin 407, not very complex - as yet - but promising much. Firm tannins and a long carry.
Tasted: 23/09/2014
Drink: N/A
92 Points Robert Parker
Made with a blend of fruit from Wrattonbully, Padthaway, McLaren Vale, Coonawarra and Langhorne Creek, the 2012 Bin 407 Cabernet Sauvignon has a deep garnet color with a hint of purple and a nose exuding warm blackberry compote notes, blueberry preserves, spice cake and mocha plus a touch of menthol. Medium to full-bodied, it offers mouth-filling black berry and cassis flavors with a touch of mint, a crisp line of acid and firm grainy tannins to shape the long finish.
Source: Robert Parker (Robert Parker Wine Advocate) by Lisa Perrotti-Brown. October, 2014
95 Points James Halliday
The grapes came from Wrattonbully, Padthaway, McLaren Vale, Coonawarra and Langhorne Creek, partially barrel-fermented before spending 14 months in 22% French (100% new) and 68% American (19% new, 16% 1yo, 43% seasoned) oak hogsheads. A very interesting wine; it's not until the finish of the palate and aftertaste that the leopard's spots become clear. From this point you need to work backwards to finally arrive (on reassessment) at the bouquet, which has developed the cassis and plum fragrance it initially lacked, likewise the juicy fruit of the mid-palate. Drink to 2032.
-. November, 2021
95 Points Tyson Stelzer
A commanding and distinguished Bin 407 that will go down among the greats and longest lived. Exacting varietal precision of blackcurrants, redcurrants, tobacco and cedar coasts under a rising, lifted violet perfume, over a backdrop of finely structured dark chocolate oak. It''s assembled with molecular precision, bolting textbook varietal definition to grainy, firm, crafted tannins, upholding a brightness and energy that keep it lively in spite of great presence and concentration. It is held back from an even higher rating only by the furry graininess of its tannins, which aggravate its precision on the finish, holding it back from an even higher rating. Line and length are sensational, and it will go down among the long-lived 407s. This year, a blend of Wrattonbully, Padthaway, McLaren Vale, Coonawarra and Langhorne Creek. Drink 2032 - 2042.
Source: Tyson Stelzer.