Penfolds is an iconic Australian wine producer established in 1844 when Dr. Christopher Rawson Penfold and his family arrived from England and paid the princely sum of £1,200 for 500 acres of the best land in Magill. He planted French vine cuttings with the intention of producing his own “medicinal tonic” wine.

When he passed away, his wife Mary assumed responsibility for the 60 acres of vines in The Grange Vineyard, which was then producing several varieties. She managed the estate for 25 years, passing it on to her daughter Georgina and son-in-law Thomas Hyland when she retired. The Penfold family continued to operate the business very successfully and retained a controlling interest after the company became public.

Penfolds now has an extensive portfolio that includes the ‘House Style’ collection, numbered-bin releases, special bins, and fortifieds among others. It has played a pivotal role in the evolution of winemaking in Australia and across the world.

Penfolds has earned numerous accolades for its flagship and most iconic wine, Grange, the creation of former Chief Winemaker Max Schubert who aimed to match the finest, aged Bordeaux wines. Initially rejected by Penfolds management, the experiment was kept secret and barrels of wines were hidden behind a fake wall in the tunnels at Magill Estate. With bottle age development, a second tasting was greeted with enthusiasm and production was restarted.

Penfolds vineyards are located primarily in South Australia on prime land throughout the state’s most esteemed viticultural regions. Throughout its history, Penfolds has owned and leased vineyards in addition to sourcing grapes from independent growers. Its grapes are sourced from more than 220 vineyards and grape growers across Australia. This strategy reflects the tradition of multi-vineyard and multi-regional sourcing, first introduced in the 1860s by Mary Penfold, and allows for a consistency of style and quality across vintages, something Penfolds is renowned for.

The 2018 Penfolds Bin 704 Napa Cabernet Sauvignon is a standout wine from the North Coast region of California, specifically the Napa appellation. Produced by Penfolds, this red wine has a 14.5% alcohol content and is sealed with a cork. This vintage marks Penfolds' first foray into the Napa Valley, and it has received high praise from several respected reviewers.

Decanter's David Sly awarded it a 95, describing it as "bright and vibrant in the glass with deep, dark aromas of black plum grasped in a tight-fisted blackberry glove." He noted that the wine's initially tight flavors relax into a "plush embrace," revealing "sumptuous fruit that remains firm and politely behaved," along with tobacco and oak tannins. Matthew Luczy, also from Decanter, gave it 94 points and highlighted its "lively floral and herbal nose" with violet, redcurrant, bay leaf, and tobacco, complimenting its finish that combines "slick texture" with "angular, focused tannin structure."

James Suckling also gave the wine a 95, calling it "a beautiful, aromatic wine with blackcurrant, cool fruit and hints of minerals and tar." He praised its full-bodied nature, polished feel, and long, creamy finish, noting its "tension, energy and refinement." Suckling suggested it would be best enjoyed after 2024, although he admitted it is "hard not to drink" already.

Wine Enthusiast's Virginie Boone offered the highest score, a 96, describing the wine as "tightly structured yet supple," with bright currant and strawberry flavors, alongside savory notes of sage, dried herb, and black pepper. She recommended enjoying it from 2028 to 2033.

James Halliday's Tyson Stelzer also gave it a 95, mentioning that it was matured for 16 months in a mix of 60% one-year-old and 40% new French oak barrels. He described it as a "magnificently crafted Napa cabernet" with a "rich, ripe and succulent core of generous blackberry and blackcurrant fruit," and a refined structure that promises longevity.

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate gave it a slightly lower score of 91 but noted the wine's unique character as the "hemispherical mirror image of Bin 407," highlighting Penfolds' ability to access exclusive Napa vineyards. The review mentioned that small amounts were sourced from top vineyards in a Burgundian model.

Overall, the 2018 Penfolds Bin 704 Napa Cabernet Sauvignon is highly regarded for its vibrant flavors, structured tannins, and potential for aging, making it a noteworthy addition to Penfolds' portfolio.