Glänzendes Kirschrot mit dunkelmagentafarbenem Kern. Jugendlich. Anfangs zurückhaltend. Durchzogen von Thymian, rosa Pfefferkörnern und Majoran. Hauptsächlich rote Früchte – Preiselbeere, rote Kirsche und Granatapfel; unterstützt und angeregt von roter Lakritze, Moschus und türkischem Honig. Düfte von Graphit, schwarzen Oliven (und Cassis?). Gut verarbeitete Eiche ist kaum wahrnehmbar (83 % neu) – die schwächste Andeutung von Sandelholz/Teakholz. Mit Luft und Zeit entfaltet sich mehr … Mittelkräftig, straff. Sehr jung – ursprünglich und frisch. Was aromatisch in der Nase am deutlichsten wahrnehmbar ist, kommt am Gaumen wieder – rote Johannisbeere, Maulbeerblatt, Feige, fleischige Pflaume. Nicht unerwartet sind am Gaumen Cabernet-Graphit-Bleistiftnoten erkennbar. 

James Suckling 
This is really fantastic, with blackcurrants, blackberries, dark tobacco and cassis bush. It’s full-bodied and layered with gorgeous tannins that are caressing and focused. Plush texture, yet it’s focused, framed, bright and vivid. No hints of mint or eucalyptus. A classical approach to Coonawarra cabernet. Needs three to five years to really show its greatness. Best after 2027. 

Wine Advocate
The Bin 169 is Cabernet Sauvignon from Coonawarra and matured in French oak. The 2022 Bin 169 Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon is succulent and fresh. Certainly, it is powerfully structured and concentrated but manages vitality and detail. It is Coonawarra more than anything, and in a great, ferruginous, pure sort of way. In terms of context, I like this vintage as much as the 2010 vintage, which I view to be the greatest Bin 169 made since its inception in 2008. I note that I have historically given the 2019 a higher score the 2021; however, on other occasions have scored it several points lower. Different bottles, different environments. 14.5% alcohol, sealed under natural cork. Stylistically, this cuvée tends to be viewed as an elegant iteration of Cabernet Sauvignon, within the context of the collection. This is true, to a certain extent. However, it is possessed of imposing structure and firm tannins, the impact of which is softened in the Bin 707 due to its élevage in American oak. This rigid, imposing, tannin structure of the Bin 169 is indicative of the style inherent in Coonawarra, and it sits well within the wine. While I prefer French oak influence in Cabernet generally, I find the Bin 169 wine has less flesh and less cushioning than its sibling 707 and will evolve in a leafier, "cigar box" direction. They are quite different styles, with distinct futures ahead of them.