The Penfolds Collection 2024
This morning, Penfolds launched The Penfolds Collection 2024, a collection of 25 wines headlined by Grange 2020. In addition to this, it has also released a one-off Bin 180 Coonawarra Cabernet Shiraz 2021 to commemorate its 180th anniversary milestone.
According to Chief Winemaker Peter Gago, the goal of Bin 180 “was to craft a landmark wine to acknowledge Penfolds 180th Anniversary… Compellingly – the lure of outstanding parcels in barrel availed from the stellar 2021 Coonawarra harvest. Fatefully – testament to a pre-ordained and magical Australian varietal union – a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz. Resultingly – Penfolds 2021 Bin 180 Coonawarra Cabernet Shiraz.”
Along with the rest of the collection, Bin 180 will be released globally on Thursday 1 August. Its largest available format, a 3L jeroboam, will be accompanied by a commemorative wooden case art piece from staves of Penfolds French oak barrels, as designed by South Australian artisan Andrew Bartlett.
For more information on the 25 wine release and to view pricing, read this Drinks Trade article.
Hard Rated launches Lemon Lime
Carlton & United Breweries has announced a new flavour option for its Hard Rated brand. The new flavour, Alcoholic Lemon Lime Zero Sugar, will complement the existing Hard Rated Alcoholic Lemon and Hard Rated Alcoholic Lemon Zero Sugar and is described as having sweet lime notes balanced by the bitterness of the alcohol.
According to Sarah Wilcox, Head of RTDs & Cider at Carlton & United Breweries, the new product has been launched in response to consumer demand.
“Our customers told us they wanted more Hard Rated innovation and we’ve responded,” she said.
“Hard Rated had proven a great success and shown that adults wanted a refreshing lemon-flavoured alcoholic drink.”
Hard Rated Lemon Lime Zero Sugar will be made available in 375ml cans with a 4.5% abv and will cost $24 per 4-pack.
Stoneleigh Lighter Sauvignon Blanc
New Zealand wine producer Stoneleigh has announced the Australian launch of its debut lower-alcohol wine, the Stoneleigh Lighter Sauvignon Blanc, following a successful initial domestic launch.
At 9% abv, Lighter contains 25% less alcohol than Stoneleigh’s alternative Sauvignon Blanc expressions, achieved through earlier picking and by prematurely stopping the fermentation process.
“The grapes are picked early in the harvest allowing the Sauvignon Blanc to retain its distinctively vibrant style,” said Chief Winemaker Jamie Marfell.
“We also stop the fermentation a little bit earlier leaving a few grams of sugar to balance up the palate.”
Stoneleigh is currently owned by Pernod Ricard, however will soon be transitioning into Accolade Wines ownership as part of a ten brand sale announced yesterday. In addition to Stoneleigh, Accolade Wines will be acquiring Australian brands Jacob’s Creek, Orlando, and St Hugo, New Zealand brands Stoneleigh, Brancott Estate and Church Road, and Spanish brands Campo Viejo, Ysios, Tarsus and Azpilicueta from Pernod Ricard.
Stoneleigh Lighter Sauvignon Blanc 2023 is available now in participating Coles Liquor retail outlets at an RRP of $17.
Learn more about Stoneleigh here.
Coastal Stone Whisky launches RTD range
Coastal Stone Whisky, the whisky brand owned by Manly Spirits Co, has unveiled its first two RTD products, Whisky & Dry and Whisky & Cola.
The first of the two releases, the Whisky & Dry, is crisp and easy-drinking with a smooth profile of vanilla, caramel, oak and spice. Alternatively, the Whisky & Cola is a mellow and sweet drop that champions honey, vanilla, toasted wood, and a subtle fruitiness.
Both products champion the brand’s double grain whisky, a blend of multiple Australian grains matured in ex-Bourbon American Oak and ex-Australian Shiraz casks.
Coastal Stone’s two RTD products are available for purchase now via the Manly Spirits website and from select Dan Murphys, Porters Liquor and independent retailers across NSW. Both the Whisky & Cola and Whisky & Dry Ginger carry an RRP of $32 per 4-pack and $160 per case of 24.
Louis Pommery England Rosé NV
Louis Pommery England, the English sparkling wine branch of Grande Marque Champagne House Vranken Pommery, has unveiled its debut sparkling rosé: the Louis Pommery England Rosé NV.
The new international release, announced today, follows on from Pommery becoming the first ever Grande Marque Champagne House to produce a sparkling wine from English terroir. Similar to its latest release, the Louis Pommery England Brut NV, the sparkling rosé is made using traditional method at its Pinglestone Estate in New Alresford, UK.
“The progression of English wine over the past decade has been remarkable,” said Clément Pierlot, Chef de Cave at Champagne Pommery.
“At Louis Pommery, we are thrilled to bring together French expertise and English terroir to create something truly exceptional. Our new rosé sparkling wine is a perfect example of this harmonious blend.”
Louis Pommery England Rosé is brought into Australia via Vranken-Pommery Australia, the local subsidiary of the French group Vranken-Pommery Monopole, and is available now from Dan Murphy’s from leading Australian retailers at an RRP of $84.
Learn more about the release here.
Tasted by Drinks Trade: RTDs and Liqueurs
This week, we launched the first instalment of Tasted by Drinks Trade, a new weekly series in which the Drinks Trade staff reflect on the latest and most interesting products available to Australia’s liquor industry. To read that article, click here.
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