Penfolds, a renowned Australian winery, has recently unveiled its highly anticipated 2025 Collection, captivating wine enthusiasts and critics globally. This new release is spearheaded by the extraordinary 2021 Grange, a vintage that marks seven decades since the initial 1951 Grange and is already being hailed as one of the finest. The collection, presented by chief winemaker Peter Gago, signifies not only Penfolds' commitment to excellence but also its remarkable legacy, celebrating anniversaries of key varietals and experimental blends. Despite challenges faced during the 2023 growing season, the mastery of Penfolds' viticulture and winemaking has shone through, delivering wines of exceptional character and age-worthiness.
The 2025 Collection stands as a testament to Penfolds' innovative spirit and unwavering dedication to quality. It includes a diverse array of wines, each meticulously crafted to reflect their unique terroir and heritage. From the exquisite white wine counterpart to Grange, Yattarna, to the powerful Bin 389 Cabernet Sauvignon-Shiraz, the collection promises a journey through the rich tapestry of Australian and international winemaking. These releases underscore Penfolds' ability to consistently produce world-class wines that not only honor their storied past but also pave the way for future innovations, making them highly sought after by collectors and connoisseurs.
The Pinnacle of the 2025 Penfolds Collection
The 2021 Grange, priced at £600 (AU$1,000 / €700), undoubtedly takes center stage in Penfolds' 2025 Collection. This vintage is celebrated for its exceptional quality, echoing the acclaim of past legendary years like 2018, 2010, and 1990. The wine, a multi-regional South Australian Shiraz, is described as fresh, concentrated, and destined for remarkable aging potential, making it a prized acquisition for collectors and investors. Its depth and complexity are a hallmark of Penfolds' meticulous blending process, ensuring a wine that stands the test of time.
Beyond the iconic Grange, the 2025 collection introduces other significant releases, each with its own story of heritage and innovation. The 2023 Magill Estate Shiraz marks its 40th anniversary, continuing the tradition of a single vineyard expression that began 181 years ago. Similarly, the 2024 Bin A Adelaide Hills Reserve Chardonnay commemorates its 30-year milestone, showcasing Penfolds' mastery in crafting elegant white wines. The collection also features the experimental 2022 FWT 543, a blend of Bordeaux Cabernet and Syrah from Southern France, reflecting Penfolds' global winemaking trials. Even with some wines, like the Bin 169 Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon, being omitted due to challenging vintage conditions, the overall collection reflects Penfolds' unwavering commitment to releasing only wines of the highest caliber, a testament to their deep relationships with growers and their unique blind tasting classification process.
Celebrating Milestones and Unique Expressions
This year's collection is particularly notable for its celebration of several significant anniversaries, reinforcing Penfolds' rich history and continuous evolution. The 70-year journey of Grange since its inception in 1951 is a major highlight, demonstrating its enduring legacy as an Australian icon. Concurrently, the 40th anniversary of the Magill Estate Shiraz with its 2023 vintage, originating from Penfolds' ancestral Adelaide vineyard, underscores the brand's profound connection to its roots and traditional winemaking practices. These celebratory releases not only honor past achievements but also exemplify the brand's ongoing pursuit of viticultural excellence.
Moreover, the 2025 collection showcases Penfolds' diverse portfolio and its innovative approach to winemaking. The 2024 Bin A Adelaide Hills Reserve Chardonnay's 30th anniversary marks another significant milestone, highlighting the strength and longevity of Penfolds' white wine program. Furthermore, the collaboration on Grange La Chapelle with Caroline Frey in France's Rh\u00f4ne Valley, and new French Wine Trials like the FWT 543, exemplify Penfolds' expansive global footprint and its willingness to explore new terroirs and blending techniques. While some highly anticipated wines, such as the 2022 St Henri, were not part of the London preview, their later release, alongside the 2021 Grange and other key wines, solidifies the 2025 Collection as a comprehensive and compelling representation of Penfolds' past, present, and future contributions to the world of fine wine.