For the first time in Penfolds history, the annual collection release in August will comprise three country of origin portfolios – Australian, Californian and an inaugural French release.
The new French release is led by a Penfolds II, made in partnership with one of Bordeaux’s most respected winemaking Houses, Dourthe Bordeaux, under the direction of chief winemaker Peter Gago and Dourthe chief winemaker Frédéric Bonnaffous.
A blend of grapes from Bordeaux (71 per cent) and South Australia (29 per cent) delivered Penfolds II Cabernet Shiraz Merlot 2019.
Gago says, “This is the start of our French winemaking journey. Our objective is to remain true to the winemaking ethos of both wineries, to deliver the best blend possible, to ideally make Bordeaux and South Australia proud.”
The second wine to be released in August is the 2019 Penfolds FWT 585: a trial bin wine made of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petit Verdot. Since 2018, many trials and blends were tasted throughout the classification process. The trial wine was made at Cambon la Pelouse Winery with Penfolds senior winemaker Emma Wood.
The 2022 Australian release in its entirety is led by the 68th consecutive release of the Penfolds 2018 Grange, which will now retail for $1000.
Penfolds managing director Tom King said increasing demand for more expensive wines had been present globally.
“It is clear consumers continue to have a strong appetite for premium and luxury wines, with a shift over the last couple of years of buying less, but more expensive wine.
“Our flagship icon Grange continues to be sought after around the globe for celebrating special moments, as well as being a must for any fine wine collector’s cellar,” said King.
The Penfolds Collection 2022 wines are available from 4 August at Penfolds cellar doors and select fine wine stores globally.
