Penfolds, probably Australia's best known label, made headlines this year by releasing the world's most expensive wine directly sold from a winery at US$168,000 an ampoule. Only 12 glass ampoules of the "2004 Block 42" made from cabernet sauvignon were released.
Fans of Penfolds include avid connoisseurs, but also those who like wines that offer value for money. The success of Penfolds has been built on its reputation for delivering consistency and quality. It also delivers wines "with minimal vintage variation." This is achieved through sourcing fruit from multiple regions and vineyards in South Australia. The Penfolds portfolio includes 40 wines, which can be found everywhere from the supermarket to the auction house.
Established in 1844 by the English doctor Christopher Rawson Penfold, it is one of Australia's oldest wine brands. Penfold had the vision to see the potential of Australia as a wine producing country and established vineyards in the vicinity of Adelaide. He believed that wine had medicinal properties and prescribed fortified tonics and brandies to sick workers on his estate. Since his death the brand has continued to flourish and retained its philosophy for innovation. Max Schubert, the first chief winemaker, who created one of Penfolds' most iconic wines Grange, said that we must "be prepared to experiment in order to gain something extra, different and unique in the world of wine".
The Koonunga Hill is a good introduction to the house style. It offers consistency and quality in value for money. Made from a blend of 66 per cent shiraz and 34 per cent cabernet sauvignon. Fresh ripe berry fruit with a hint of mint. Full bodied with a core of sweet ripe fruit. Balanced soft tannins. Easy to drink and a great value for money, everyday drinking wine. HK$109, or HK$198 for three bottles (Wellcome)
This is one of Penfolds' Bin series - wines which have been given numbers depending on their storage location in the cellar rather than individual wine names. Bin 407 has a fairly short history with the inaugural vintage in 1990. The fruit has been sourced from multiple regions in South Australia. Aged in French and American oak for 12 months. Initially quite restrained nose, needing time to open up. Classic cabernet varietal notes with blackcurrant, liquorice and spicy overtones. Full bodied, with high fruit intensity and firm tannins. Will benefit from decanting. Still very youthful with ageing ability up to 10 years. HK$448