Penfolds: crafting Australian wine legends
Penfolds is arguably the leading name when it comes to the pioneering of Australian fine wine. From its founding over 175 years ago to its current status as a global wine icon, Penfolds has consistently pushed the boundaries of quality and innovation, crafting some of the most celebrated wines in the world.
The legacy of Penfolds
Having emigrated from West Sussex in the UK in 1844, English physician Dr. Christopher Rawson Penfold and his wife Mary acquired the 500-acre Mackgill estate, or Magill as it is known today, at the foot of the Mount Lofty Ranges with the help of family members. There they cultivated the land around their cottage, known as “The Grange”.
Initially, fortified wines were produced for Christopher’s patients, and so with French vine cuttings brought over from England, they established their new vineyard, and the Penfolds wine company was born.
While Dr Penfold’s medical reputation grew, Mary ran much of the winery, eventually assuming full control upon Christopher’s passing in 1870. At the time of her retirement, Penfolds produced ⅓ of all Southern Australian wine, and had established itself as a pioneer in the advancement of winemaking. But the house’s greatest achievement was yet to come.
Enter Max Schubert. So passionate about Australia’s wine trade that he joined Penfolds as a messenger boy in 1931, only to become chief winemaker 17 years later. Max was inspired by European winemaking and cellaring techniques while on a business trip and returned to Australia determined to create a "different and lasting" wine of his own, with Shiraz as the key varietal.
The initial Grange releases were shunned by management, but Schubert persevered in secret and three years later he finally won over the board thanks to the value of cellar aging. Today Grange is widely considered “Australia’s First Growth”, and one of the greatest wines of the twentieth century and beyond.
The wines of Penfolds
Penfolds Grange is truly an iconic wine and a testament to the visionary work of Max Schubert. Shiraz grapes sourced primarily from the Barossa Valley and McLaren Vale are aged for 18 months in 100% new American hogshead casks, their larger size imparting softer, nuanced oak notes. Expect a gorgeously silky texture, with dark chocolate, black fruit and vanilla aromas from a wine that has delivered no fewer than 30 perfect scores to date.
The challenge was to set the standard for Australia's ultra-premium Chardonnay expression, and Yattarna is a wine that has more than achieved this goal. Made from the very pinnacle of quality fruit, sourced from the best cool-climate regions and vinified patiently with brilliant winemaking. The outcome is a wine of spectacular finesse and balance, one that exudes elegant sophistication with aromas of crème brûlee and a silkily textured body of lemony complexity.
Max Schubert proved, again, that Australia’s potential for producing incredible fine wines is all a matter of tenacity.
Its name is a tribute to the iconic jetliner that navigated the world and is credited with beginning the jet age; Bin 707 is Penfolds' answer to ultra-premium Cabernet Sauvignon. A world-class expression that showcases the potential of the varietal in Australia beyond that of just a blending grape. Bin 707 is a full-bodied wine with rich blackcurrant, sweet vanilla spice, and graphite notes, along with Coonawarra’s signature minty eucalyptus. With its mid-palate fullness and complexity, Bin 707 is a true benchmark for Australian Cabernet.
The Bin 798 RWT Shiraz, RWT standing for Red Winemaking Trial, represents Penfolds' exploration of new winemaking techniques. Launched in 1997, RWT focuses on Barossa Valley Shiraz and is aged in French oak rather than the traditional American oak, resulting in a wine that is rich and opulent with flavors of dark berries, spice, and a touch of chocolate. The French oak imparts a subtle elegance, balancing the wine’s power with finesse. Bin 798 RWT embodies Penfolds' experimental and innovative spirit, as laid out by Mary Penfold.
St. Henri Shiraz is a unique expression within Penfolds' portfolio, offering a different perspective on Shiraz. Unlike other premium Penfolds wines, St. Henri is aged in large, old oak vats, allowing the fruit to shine without the influence of new oak. This results in a wine that is elegant and pure, with vibrant red fruit flavors, earthy undertones, and a smooth, supple texture. St. Henri has a loyal following among those who appreciate its traditional style and ability to age gracefully.
Innovation and tradition
Penfolds’ success lies in its ability to embrace innovation alongside worldwide winemaking traditions. The winery continues to experiment with new techniques and terroirs, all while honoring the legacy of its past, ensuring that Penfolds remains at the forefront of the global wine industry, with wines both timeless and contemporary.
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