Revolutionary for its time, Penfolds Bin 707 continues to soar high 60 years later
Penfolds’ collectors have long cherished the award-winning Grange, without doubt, the most iconic and storied of Australian wines since its creation in 1951. Yet there was another audacious wine that would soon catch the public’s imagination, waiting in the wings, which was finally vintaged in 1964 as Bin 707. Where Grange is predominant of shiraz, Bin 707 was envisioned as Penfolds’ first 100 per cent single varietal cabernet sauvignon—a bold vision at the time and one that deserves a distinctive name.
With the advent of the golden age of aviation making it possible to fly from Australia to England, this new wine earned itself the fitting name of Bin 707, after the jetliner that took to the skies with such panache.
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Bin 707 is Penfolds’ first 100 per cent single varietal cabernet sauvignon
Creating a legacy
Penfolds’ chief winemaker, Max Schubert, was a visionary who dreamt of making long-lived wines, inspired by the grand vins of Bordeaux. After the success of Grange, he turned his attention to cabernet sauvignon, then a somewhat rare variety in Australia. Schubert found the quality he was looking for in the renowned Kalimna Block 42, planted in 1888, believed to be some of the world’s oldest continuously producing cabernet sauvignon vines today.
With a very similar winemaking style to Grange, Bin 707 undergoes partial barrel fermentation and 18 months maturation in new American hogsheads, to achieve its flavour profile and robust, sculptured palate. Bin 707 is a true commitment to quality; without high-quality grapes, it will not be produced. The missing vintages include 1970 to 1975, 1981, 1995, 2000, 2003, 2011, 2013, and 2020.
Bin 707 today truly embodies the ‘house style’ of Penfolds
While Kalimna and Coonawara vineyards always account for half the grapes, Bin 707 today truly embodies the ‘house style’ of Penfolds, where the sum is greater than its parts. Other notable sources of its fruit include the infamous Block 20 and Block 10 in Coonawarra, and some prized Koonunga Hill blocks in the Barossa Valley. Importantly for the most discerning of wine collectors, each generation of Penfolds’ winemakers has continued to carefully craft only the finest cabernet sauvignon, allowing for Bin 707 to mature gracefully for 30 years and beyond.
In the latest release, Bin 707 2021 shows the essence of its blend on the nose—think blackcurrant, cassis and mulberry. The palate is balanced and complete with fresh mulberries, blackcurrant and figs with firm, glossy tannins.
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Find the Penfolds Bin 707 in world-class establishments alongside their extraordinary cuisine
Where will Bin 707 take you?
In the 1960s, Penfolds’ reputation for premium wines continued to spread across the world, buoyed by its position as First Class wine of choice onboard Qantas. The wine? Bin 707, of course.
Today, Bin 707 continues to take flight across the world, bringing its connoisseurs on a journey of discerning taste as they discover myriad cuisines and fine settings accompanied by its versatility. We take a sip through some of these hotspots in Asia.
Kuala Lumpur: Asador V
Opened by the minds behind Vantador, a cornerstone of Kuala Lumpur’s steak scene, Asador V is a lavish steakhouse nestled in Menara Hap Seng 3. Specialising in the art of dry-ageing, the multi-level space offers an impressive selection of premium cuts, from dry-aged Wagyu to wet-aged grass-fed Angus, all expertly grilled over its signature asado fire grill. Beyond steak, the menu extends to a carefully curated selection of dishes, including fresh Normandy oysters, lobster paella, and pan-seared miso cod. To end on a decadent note, the burnt cheesecake infused with dry-aged fat butter is a must-try.
Recently, Asador V was honored at the ADA Atap Design Awards 2024, winning Gold for Best Restaurant Design and Silver for Best Themed Design—a testament to its seamless blend of vintage opulence and industrial sophistication.
At RM3,350 per bottle, Bin 707 Cabernet Sauvignon finds its perfect match here, standing up to the bold flavours of fire-kissed meats and delivering a symphony of richness with every sip. Bin 707 Cabernet Sauvignon is also available at Sabayon EQ and Don’s Cigar.
Burnt Ends is a modern barbecue restaurant in Singapore’s Dempsey Hill serving modern Australian barbecue in a fun, relaxed atmosphere. Almost everything on the daily-changing menu touches the two oven, four-tonne brick kiln designed by chef-owner Dave Pynt. Perennial signatures include smoked quail’s egg, crab and uni on brioche and the king crab with garlic brown butter.
Burnt Ends has been awarded one Michelin star since 2018, and is currently ranked No. 68 on the 2024 San Pellegrino World’s 50 Best Restaurants List and No. 15 on the 2024 San Pellegrino Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants List.
An older vintage of Bin 707 has been sourced to pair with the refined cuisine. At SGD1,250 per bottle, the 1998 vintage was noted for its tannin and muscle, which is generous and lush even 27 years later. Look also for Bin 707 Cabernet Sauvignon at one-Michelin-starred Marguerite at Gardens by the Bay, and one-Michelin-starred Cut by Wolfgang Puck at Marina Bay Sands.
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Inside the magnificent dining room in Tai Kwun reminiscent of a bygone era, chef Junno Li presents a collection of Chinese dishes from diverse culinary regions of Guangdong, Beijing, Zhejiang, Shanghai, Chiuchow and Sichuan, thoughtfully paired with fine wines. Displaying its prowess in traditional and contemporary creations, the kitchen’s specialities include 45-day Imperial Peking duck, yellow croaker with soya sauce and crispy garlic, foie gras and Wagyu stone pot fried rice, and expertly made dim sum.
The restaurant has earned One Diamond for two consecutive years in the Black Pearl Restaurant Guide, 2024-2025. Chinese Library is part of the international Aqua Group of bespoke restaurants and bars.
Bin 707 Cabernet Sauvignon is available at HK$6,258 a bottle, where its brooding dark flavours call out for the rich roast meats and wok-fried creations that imbue caramelised notes to the palate.
At the Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok At Chao Phraya River, Yu Ting Yuan is where to immerse yourself in the world of Cantonese flavours amid the gorgeous backdrop. Luxuriate in the floor-to-ceiling windows to take in the lush gardens and a shimmering reflection pond, sun-lit by day and illuminated at night, while chefs at the show kitchen prepare the signature dim sum and Peking duck. Chef Tommy’s Tasting Menus are the highlight, bringing together his specialties of golden lobster spring roll, shrimp roe noodle soup, and signature BBQ selection.
Chef Tommy Cheung hails from Hong Kong, and has chalked up invaluable experience at vaunted restaurants including two-Michelin-starred Yan Toh Heen in Hong Kong and one-Michelin-starred Ya Ge in Taipei, Taiwan.
Select a bottle of Bin 707 2021 at THB 49,950, and discover how its powerful palate and intensely ripe fruit notes serve to enhance the rich umami from seafood and sweet caramelised BBQ meats from the oven. Bin 707 can also be found at RedSky rooftop bar at Centara Grand, Centralworld.
Yu Ting YuanAddress: 300/1 ถ. เจริญกรุง Yan Nawa, Sathon, Bangkok 10120, Thailand
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