The Penfolds Collection 2020 has been unveiled, led by the 66th consecutive release of Grange.
The wines of the Penfolds Collection 2020 offer multi-region and multi-vineyard blends, single-region wines and a single-vineyard wine.
The 2016 Grange was a crowd favourite during the recent Penfolds Rewards of Patience Edition VIII tasting.
Peter Gago (above), Penfolds Chief Winemaker, said: “Not playing to flagship favourites, but the 2016 Grange may politely nudge the classic 2004 and 2010. It would be brazen to rank any further back into the last millennium.”
Detailed assessment of the 2016 Grange, along with reviews of current and back vintage wines from Penfolds entire portfolio, can be found in the new Rewards of Patience Edition VIII book - available from late-August 2020.
Adding to this year’s release, Penfolds will launch a new wine blended from four vintages of Grange, named Penfolds g4. The blend entwines Grange DNA from the exceptional 2002, 2004, 2008 and 2016 vintages to create a completely unique expression of Penfolds flagship.
“These four Grange vintages are among our favourites of the last two decades," Gago said. "All so different – in every sense, not just climatically. The synergistic blending of these vintages worked perfectly from a quality, structural and style perspective."
Only 2500 bottles were filled, RRP $3500 each (750ml).
While Grange leads the charge, Penfolds said the "charm and character of the core 2018 Bins rival any Penfolds Bin released over the last half-century".
"Special mention must be noted for the 2018 Bin 389 Cabernet Shiraz, a release that commemorates the 60th anniversary since it was first made in 1960, by Max Schubert," it added.
"Harmonious, balanced and focused, this wine demonstrates why Bin 389 remains one of Australia’s most popular collectable red wines."
Peter Gago reflected on the significance of Bin 389 saying: “Put simply, Bin 389 Cabernet Shiraz manifests all that is Penfolds … a wine that so many of us have grown with. This style extolls the wisdom of blending, as it does the synergies afforded by varietal and sourcing freedom.”
The cabernet stable broadens this year with the sixth release of Bin 169 Coonawarra Cabernet, a contemporary 2018 expression of cabernet which is released only in exceptional years.
“This 100% cabernet dutifully puts its hand up to help champion the region” said Gago. “Vying for Bin 707 quality fruit its Coonawarra badge and French oak lodgings hold sway. Built differently, dressed differently”.
The four white wines released in this Collection include the 2019 release of Bin 311 Chardonnay.
“From the garage to the studio, Bin 311 can now more than just whistle an enduring tune," Gago said. "This wine now confidently struts across a wider cool-climate stage. An awakened and enlightened blend”.
The Penfolds Collection 2020 and Penfolds g4 are available from Thursday, August 6, at Penfolds Cellar Doors (Magill Estate Winery and Barossa Valley Cellar Door) and select fine wine stores.
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