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The Year of the Snake is almost upon us, and Penfolds is determined to ensure we all celebrate in style with a range of exciting new releases exquisitely decorated around the theme of the snake zodiac. This symbol of elegance, transformation, and infinite wisdom is emblazoned across Penfolds’ latest collection which ranges from the latest Grange—arguably Australia’s most celebrated wine—to a Lunar New Year edition of the Bin 389 Cabernet Shiraz 2019.
A compelling collection from both a decorative and experiential perspective, there’s no better way to welcome the Year of the Snake, regardless of whether you’re opening a bottle to share or wrapping one to gift. So, let’s take a look at what each of these outstanding limited-edition releases has to offer.
Bin 389 Cabernet Shiraz 2019 750ml Lunar New Year Edition
Kicking things off with this Bin 389 release, Penfolds crafted this wine as a tribute to strength and generosity. Guaranteed to elevate any occasion with its refined elegance, this drop continues in a long line of simply outstanding Bin 389 releases.
With components of the wine being matured in the same barrels that held the previous vintage of Grange, it’s no wonder Bin 389 is often referred to as ‘Baby Grange’. Ever since its 1960 debut—at which point it was crafted by the legendary Max Schubert—it has been renowned among red wine drinkers for its miraculous pairing of a Cabernet Sauvignon’s structure with a Shiraz’s richness.
In this case, aromas of cola, grated chocolate and cappuccino powder mix with juniper and spice, while a fresh and fleshy palate offers notes of liquorice, stewed plum and blackcurrant, with a background of dark chocolate and mocha. With an offering as richly rewarding as this, it comes as little surprise that Bin 389 has played such a pivotal role in forging Penfolds’ reputation. We’ve no doubt it will continue to do so into the Year of the Snake and beyond.
Price: AUD$120
Bin 389 Cabernet Shiraz 2022 Lunar New Year Magnum 1.5L Gift Box
Naturally, much of what we said about the first entry on this list applies equally to this second, more generously proportioned Bin 389 offering. As soon as you encounter its aromas of rich, deep mahogany, sweet oak spices, and summer berries, you’ll be enthralled, only to be pulled deeper by baking spice alongside tart red currant, cranberry, and fresh pastries.
Take a sip and you’ll find your palate immediately enveloped by cocoa powder-like tannins. With volumes of character, the wine showcases cool fruits, while a barrel ferment nuance adds depth without overshadowing the fruits’ purity. Sourdough notes bring a rustic edge as they’re paired with plum, blackberry, mulberry, wild cherries and tart morello cherries. All in all, it’s an outstanding expression of what continues to make Bin 389 releases so special.
Price: AUD$366
RWT Bin 798 Barossa Valley Shiraz 2022 750ml Lunar New Year Gift Box
Once again beautifully decorated with a snake motif, this limited-edition Barossa Valley Shiraz is a celebration of prosperity and good fortune. While the initials RWT stand for ‘Red Winemaking Trial’—the name given to the project internally when work began in the early 1990s—since the first release in May 2000, this series has more than proved its value.
Providing contrast to the Grange’s a more concentrated, muscular, and assertive style, this release aims for what Penfolds describes as a “contemporary, opulent, and finely tuned” approach. This contrast is further emphasised by maturation in French oak.
From an array of intricate perfumes on the nose, including French oak, exotic spices, and blue fruits, secured by an earthy depth, to a fruit-filled palate with chocolate undertones, notes of grape sweetness, and the subtle spice of pink peppercorns, this is an outstanding way to celebrate the Year of the Snake.
Price: AUD$200
Bin 707 Cabernet Sauvignon 2022 Lunar 750ml New Year Gift Box
If you’re looking to mark the year ahead with a wine that perfectly represents Penfolds’ house style, look no further than this testament to timeless elegance. First vintaged in 1964, Bin 707 has long held a place among the ranks of Australia’s very finest Cabernets thanks to its full-bodied flavour and proven cellaring potential.
Offering Cabernet aromas of black olive, graphite, and tapenade, which give way to fascinating notes of choc mint, Asian spices, and sage/bay leaf botanicals, it’s a no-holds-barred experience. Waiting to be discovered upon tasting is a base of ferrics and black pudding, laced with notes of white chocolate and red and black berries. An extraordinary experience all around.
Price: AUD$800
Grange 2020 750ml Lunar New Year Gift Box
While every wine included in Penfolds’ new collection shines in its own way, the Grange is undeniably the brightest star. A beautiful symbol of strength, vitality, and generosity, it makes an ideal gift this Lunar New Year.
The most powerful expression of Penfolds’ multi-vineyard, multi-district blending philosophy, Grange is not only a strong contender for Australia’s most celebrated wine, but it’s also officially listed as a Heritage Icon of South Australia.
Aromatic notes of aniseed, fennel, and quashed damson plum, set the stage for an initial wave of flavour that includes red fruits and maraschino cherry flavours, followed by black forest cake, blackberry, black cherry, and Christmas pudding, all forming a lush film that coats the palate. Nothing short of iconic, this Grange is a release that more than lives up to its unparalleled reputation, making it the perfect way to celebrate the Lunar New Year in style.
Price: AUD$1,000
