A blast of mint leaf straight from the first nose, inky ruby in colour, richly textured, clear layering of cloves, truffles, dried herbs, mocha, orange peel, mandarin, ecualyptus, blackcurrant and black cherry fruit. This is fairly closed and muscular even at 22 years old, not giving a huge amount away yet, a testament to how slowly and impressively the 707 ages. Everything in place, but inching forward. 100% new American oak.

The deep, concentrated color predicts what a bold, head-bashing, over-the-top, completely Australian first impression this may give-all succulent red currant fruit, American oak and herb-edged tannin. But the finish of the wine is completely in control, the tannins reaching long, with a sandiness like the soil at Kalimna, where a block of ancient cabernet vines contributes to this blend. It's extravagant, seamless, elegant cabernet. A great 707 to age for decades.

We had a vote at the end and this was probably second favourite after the Cos. The Cabernet answer to Grange is even more intense in terms of both colour and aroma than the Chilean with just the slightest hint of cough-medicine spice overlaying the opulent ripeness and velvety texture with just a hint of some very ripe tannins. You can tell that it shouldn’t really be drunk this early but there is no shortage of ingredients to admire even at this stage. This with its extra sweet vanilla overlay nicely demonstrated American oak rather than the French oak used for the Chilean wine. 18/20

The 2002 Cabernet Sauvignon Bin 707 exhibits a broodingly dense ruby/purple color as well as a sweet nose of black currants tapenade cola and spicy oak (this cuvee spends 14 months in 100% new American barrels). Pure and dense yet fresh and elegant it appears to be one of the finest Bin 707s produced in nearly a decade. It is much more natural tasting than previous vintages which seemed too extracted and acidified. The 2002 should drink well young yet age for 15+ years.