Nose:

Penfolds 407 has an aromatic umbrella sheltering all things cabernet - an immediate ascent of violet, mulberry leaf – laced with star anise, cinnamon, orange zest - followed by varietal wafts of tomato ketchup, soy, iodine, and oddly, a Chinese spice/stock marinade.

Not yet exiting this theme - sweet plum sauce, hoisin and roast duck crackling trepidatiously follows.

Palate:

Immediately more Tuscan than Bordeaux in cabernet character. Nevertheless, still very (South) Australian.

Savoury, with a sour cherry grip ... and subtle cherry pip oak influence.

Mouth-watering and succulent, yet still linear – tempered by appetising angular tannins.

Darker fruits and green Spanish (stuffed) olive flavours further define the vintage, style.

Neither a 2010 nor 2016 ... and not trying to be!