WTN: Penfolds Bin 707 1998

Apparently, it's been over 10 years since I've had one of these. I needed a big, but mature, wine for a steak dinner and was thinking of Grange, but consulting some recent tasting notes, it seemed like my '96 was still not ready. This, on the other hand, would probably fit the bill.

Very dark, deep violet. Stinky, barnyard, organic aromas. Most of it blew off but there was always an undertone of that stink. Still mostly about the fruit. Blueberry, blackberry, dates, plum. Some cedar notes underneath all that. Fruit is sweet but not overripe. Any wood is completely absorbed by the wine. No oakiness sticks out. Big, dense, but very plush. Soft tannins make this ready to drink. It's a young adult and has quite a way to go before hitting peak, but you won't be disappointed now. No need to decant. Pop and pour was fine. Lot's of sediment. Great length. Glad I've got a few more!

[David M. Bueker]

Always liked the 707. Haven’t seen it in ages. Do they still make it?

Yes, it's still in production. But the price is now beyond my reach. Actually, that's true of all of the top-tier Penfolds products, at least here in Manila, anyway.

[Robin Garr]

Jay, thanks for the post. I too remember 707 fondly, and paying something like $18 or $20 for it and feeling that was a fair price.

[David M. Bueker]

When was 707 $20? Even in the early 1990s it was $45-$50.

[Robin Garr]

I'm probably thinking of the middle 1980s, when I was still working at The Louisville Times. It was a great era for wine pricing.

[David M. Bueker]

Hardly!

Some guys in my tasting group bought Petrus for $25 in the 1970s.

[Robin Garr]

Hardly!

Some guys in my tasting group bought Petrus for $25 in the 1970s.

Yeah, sometime around '85 I got together with two friends and we split a bottle of Ch. Margaux. It was quite a splurge at $10 each.

Thanks for note. I don't remember ever having the '98 707, but certainly enjoyed the 389 that year.

Thanks for note. I don't remember ever having the '98 707, but certainly enjoyed the 389 that year.

Yes, that 389 is great! Still have a couple of those as well. A few years back we had a Penfolds event where the '98 389 came out on top, ahead of several (admittedly young), vintages of Grange.