The annual Penfolds Collection release is a much-anticipated event in the wine calendar, with the 2021 Grange stealing the spotlight this year. As the reputation of this iconic Australian producer continues to rise internationally, attendees eagerly sampled a variety of exceptional wines from not only Australia but also France, China, and the U.S.
This year’s lineup featured five different vintages, showcasing local releases primarily from 2023, a year described as decent although overshadowed by the remarkable 2021 and 2022 vintages, with some promising 2024 wines starting to emerge as well. The collection introduced attendees to newer wines like the 2025 Bin 51 Riesling, which already hints at a thrilling year ahead.
Among the standout wines, the Magill Estate Shiraz, RWT, and Bin 707 from 2023 received high praise, while the 2022 St Henri, despite being impressive, could not quite match the heights of the 2021 vintage. The Bin 149 and Quantum blends also garnered attention for their exceptional quality, bolstered by historical Cabernet sources like the Kalimna Vineyard, a testament to Penfolds’ commitment to excellence.
The tasting format this year was adjusted, initially focusing on Australian reds before moving to whites and then international offerings. While substantial attention was given to the reds, the whites—including notable releases like the 2023 Yattarna and the 2024 Reserve Bin A—provided a refreshing contrast in the tasting experience.
As expected, the 2021 Grange captured significant attention. This vintage is anticipated to be one of the greatest releases, showcasing complexity and balance that promises to provide immense pleasure for decades. Additionally, the Bin 707 and RWT Shirazes also made strong impressions, hinting at Penfolds’ industrial strength and innovation.
With strong performances across the board, other international wines, such as the 2022 Bin 600 from the U.S. and various creations from France, added layers of excitement and variety to the collection. The 2023 release of CWT 521 from China, which blends Cabernet Sauvignon and Marselan, reflects Penfolds’ reach into emerging wine regions.
All in all, the Penfolds Collection 2025 left attendees anticipating the future of Australian wine, as the quality and innovation of their offerings were thoroughly impressive, promising much more to come in subsequent vintages.
For further tasting notes and detailed exploration of the wines in the collection: