Ken, tell us about this years Penfolds Bin range releases

[Guest rob]

KG, you're the man in the know - not including collectibility of the low production Bin range - what are the regular middle of the range releases like this year? Mainly the 28, 128, 407 nd 389?

Are they in line with previous years... Better or worse?

[Ken Gargett]

389 a cracker. as is the 08 grange.

more soon.

yes, apols, in a rush at the moment.

[Guest rob]

Thanks mate,

Damn.. I hear the Grange is super expensive this year. I've heard number like $800 being thrown around.

[Ken Gargett]

rob, or any/everyone, i have done reviews for these penfolds wines on www.thetastingbook.com.

everyone welcome to look at them or indeed join. it is free - but nothing re cigars on it.

just sign on and then jump on the 'follow me' button or link and then you can look at those plus anything else i have one for them and more importantly, a huge array of wine notes from professionals from all around the world. it is a unique and extraordinary resource.

[NMJoe]

rob, or any/everyone, i have done reviews for these penfolds wines on www.thetastingbook.com.

everyone welcome to look at them or indeed join. it is free - but nothing re cigars on it.

just sign on and then jump on the 'follow me' button or link and then you can look at those plus anything else i have one for them and more importantly, a huge array of wine notes from professionals from all around the world. it is a unique and extraordinary resource.

Great resource! Thank you, Ken.

[Ken Gargett]

Thanks mate,

Damn.. I hear the Grange is super expensive this year. I've heard number like $800 being thrown around.

a good mate wrote this in the west aussie (so public domain and all and not any secrets). i think he perhaps was not supposed to see certain correspondence that fell his way.

but grange has long been priced at stratosphere levels. wines up there reflect much more than mere quality - reputation, history, quantity etc. some are definitely not worth a fraction of what they hope they'll jag. others? great wines but for the super wealthy, sadly. no doubt grange is a great wine and this is an excellent vintage for it.

Grange prices up…again

Penfolds have had second thoughts on the price of their flagship Grange 2008, due for release on 2 May, and it’s bad news if you were planning to buy a bottle of Australia’s most famous wine.

Not content with the initial increase from $445 to $516 l.u.c., announced to retailers a month ago, they have now pushed it to $580.60. And that’s just to get it in store before the retailer tries to make a small amount on it.

The increase is sure to heighten the tension in liquor retailing. Already many smaller independent liquor retailers have turned their backs on the Penfolds Bin range released recently as the price war between the two Australian liquor retailing giants Coles and Woolworths takes its toll.

A number of independent retailers contacted by The West Australian said it wasn’t worth getting these wines into store because they couldn’t compete with the deals struck between Penfolds and the big players that effectively priced them out of the market.

The retailers, who did not want to be named, said that in many cases they could not buy the wines into store for the prices at which Coles, largely through its Vintage Cellars stories, and Woolworths through Dan Murphy’s, were able to sell them.

While the Coles and Woolworths will no doubt have struck a better deal, the smaller independents are faced with trying flog it at close to $800 a bottle, or will simply offer it at minimal margin for their established customers. Look for the big guys to go crazy on these prices closer to release.

Managing Director Chris Flaherty justifies the Grange increase on the basis a few wine scribes, most notably the Wine Advocate’s Robert Parker, have heaped praise on the latest release. Parker has given it 100/100.

Flaherty says that since the Wine Advocate scores were published “we have been inundated with an increase in (pre-release) demand from around the world – particularly for Grange; and given that our supply of these Icon and Luxury wines remains incredibly limited we feel that we must increase our prices”.

He says that “at these prices, Penfolds remains incredibly good value” and that “the price increases are designed to smooth pricing over the next two years and ensure there are no further price increases next year”. Riiiight.

[Guest rob]

That's great ,KG, Thankyou. Compelling to think that Parker rates the Grange 100. Perfect.... Is a weird concept and one that's find very difficult to quantify.

[Tino]

I went to a tasting of the Bins releases in London last month and 389 is indeed a cracker in 2010.

The Marananga 150 2010 Shiraz is really decent too. It's made in a more forward style than the 389, but it's priced at the same level so I'd put my money into 389.

Bin 28 2010 is good value and a definite step up from the 2009.

I wasn't particularly impressed with 128 2011, plenty of weather problems in that year and it's reflected in the wine. Pretty lean and mean.

407 2010 is very impressively made, but for me it is more a Cabernet than it is a Penfolds wine if that makes any sense.

Pricing for Grange 2008 is going to get very silly (sillier) on the back of the 100 point score, but it's worth noting that it's 100 points from Lisa Perrotti-Brown, not Big Bob himself. Everyone will say it's 100 points from Parker though!

[Fuzz]

Just watch on release day how much Coles and Woolworths drop the price, just so they can say they had it for sale cheaper.

The small shops may complain, but it's just how it works. Why would a company sell you something to sell in your store with a limited customer base, at the same price to company that can reach the entire nation? The small guys should focus more on boutique wines than play against the big boys and their stock standard commercial wine range.

[mk05]

If I took grape jam and watered it down along with some coriander, Robert Parker would score that glass 100 points.

[Ken Gargett]

If I took grape jam and watered it down along with some coriander, Robert Parker would score that glass 100 points.

touch harsh (mk05 - saw you've joined tastingbook.com - was going to say hi there but all too technical for me).

it was actually his offsider (lisa perotti-brown) who gave the 08 100 points, not parker. be interesting to see what she thinks of 09. another very good wine, perhaps not quite the level of the 08. thee star of the vintage must be the 09 hill of grace. saw it a few days ago.

[mk05]

Oh it was just a joke. I have found Parker and I have the same taste. I merely meant that he loves really lush, jammy, thick wines. The way he writes changes when he is reviewing that type of wine - as if he has seen the light or found the holy grail.

Of course I joined Ken, you haven't steered me wrong yet. I was taking a look around, and yes it is a bit technically challenging to navigate, but I'm sure I'll get the hang of it soon.

As for the Penfolds, I've never tried it; my local has the Penfolds range along with the Screaming Eagles, but I am very hesitant to try. I have tried many wines, some expensive, some cheap, and found that I like a very specific and narrow range of red wines. Pretty much the only non-vintage reds I like are Clarendon Hills Romas and Australis, and Magpie Estates le Gomersal and the Election. If you have any wines you could recommend for a very untrained and unsophisticated palate given the above, please let me know!

[sengjc]

This may seem like a stupid question but does anyone know if the "wine critic" Robert Parker and the former "Cigar Aficionado writer" Robert Parker are one and the same person?

[Tino]

This may seem like a stupid question but does anyone know if the "wine critic" Robert Parker and the former "Cigar Aficionado writer" Robert Parker are one and the same person?

I don't know of a Cigar Aficionado Robert Parker, but they're going to be separate people. Aficionado is owned by Marvin Shanken who also owns Wine Spectator, and you wouldn't get Wine Advocate Robert Parker writing for his competitors. I've never heard of the wine Parker smoking either. I imagine he's only 55 points on cigar smoking

[srbbones]

Ken (or anyone else),

I saw a 2006 Grange on sale in a local shop here in the states. I didn't see a bin number on the label. Are there different tiers of Grange from the same vintage, and are those tiers distinguished by Bin 95 being tops, with no Bin number a step down? Something else?

Thanks

[sengjc]

The Penfold's premiums are out and it appears the St Henri is this year's star.

[Fuzz]

Ken (or anyone else),

I saw a 2006 Grange on sale in a local shop here in the states. I didn't see a bin number on the label. Are there different tiers of Grange from the same vintage, and are those tiers distinguished by Bin 95 being tops, with no Bin number a step down? Something else?

Thanks

The Bin 95 designation refers to the cellar location, not a tier rating. The 2006 vintage should have "Bin 95" on the label, just under "Grange".

[srbbones]

Thanks!

I actually looked again - it was the 1999 vintage (didn't bring my reading glasses)

Why do they leave the bin number off some years? Are all Granges from bin 95, but they just leave that off some years?

[Ken Gargett]

the bin number has been 95 for many years. but it wasn't always. way back in the early days it varied.

i'd be suspicious re the bottle with no bin number. can i ask you to check that bottle and if possible, take a photo. i'll get the guys at penfolds to check to make sure not fake.

grange has never been done in 'levels' but there once was a cabernet grange (1953 from memory). a stellar year. rumour has it that max lake (famous sydney doctor who wrote many food/wine books and set up 'lake's folly', oz's first boutique winery) bought almost the entire production of it. the grange from that year is one of the greatest. tried it a few years ago and still truly special.

what they do is have occasional one-offs. not granges but top wines that might be a special vineyard or blend or...

and yes, the st henri is a star this year, though i'd give the nod to the bin 170 (one of those rare one-offs). but it will be hard to find and the price is a bit breath-taking. $1,800 for a bottle, up to $65,000 for the imperial (only 7 made and in a special case). press release below.

Penfolds is proud to unveil a remarkable collaboration to mark 170 years of winemaking heritage. In its anniversary year, ‘LINLEY for Penfolds’ celebrates the birthplace of Dr Christopher Rawson Penfold, the founder of Penfolds, and is the ultimate expression of artisan craftsmanship.

The collaboration brings together an extraordinary commission to befit an extraordinary wine, the 2010 Bin 170 Kalimna Shiraz.

Created only once before in 1973, Bin 170 is a single block, single vineyard wine, sourced exclusively from old vines planted in the ancient soils of Block 3C, Kalimna Vineyard located in the Barossa Valley, South Australia.

To commemorate this limited edition fine wine release, Penfolds commissioned British cabinet maker, David Linley, through his luxury brand LINLEY, to create a number of bespoke signature cases using time-honoured and modern techniques.

The collaboration was inspired by Max Schubert’s ‘secret’ Grange vintages and celebrates the ‘secret craft’ of winemaking passed down from generation to generation. The result is a symbolic connection of two countries through history and materials – English oak from the birthplace of Penfolds founder Dr Christopher Rawson Penfold and fumed eucalyptus reflecting his new home, Australia.

Chief Winemaker Peter Gago, says; “This is such a befitting partnership. David Linley and his team of fine craftsmen share many of the values that Penfolds has honoured since it was founded in 1844. It is a pleasure to share such vision with LINLEY on this project.”

In total, seven imperial (six litre) bottle cases have been crafted for the collaboration, featuring the attention to detail, ingenuity, creative spirit and sophistication that the LINLEY brand is renowned.

Opening the case is an occasion in itself. It features a bespoke compass marked with intricate detail and precision engraving. To open each imperial case one must turn the precious jade inset dial to the longitude and latitude coordinates of Magill Estate – (-34, 138) – Penfolds spiritual home. Only then can the case be opened, to reveal the magnificent imperial bottle within.

Other features include a detailed Penfolds crest on the box exterior, created using the meticulous and labour intensive discipline of marquetry inlay. A secret drawer built into the box that is, according to LINLEY, “one of the most challenging features to include in a piece of furniture.” The drawer contains a stunning photographic journey of Kalimna Block 3C as well as a Certificate of Authenticity.

The drawer lid will be customised by LINLEY with the purchaser’s name and bottle number (from one to seven). The imperial case also includes a synthetic hygrometer combined with a bimetal thermometer to measure the perfect room climate, a barrel inspired interior and a bespoke wine pourer.

A limited edition LINLEY for Penfolds magnum case and 750 ml bottle case have also been crafted for this special release.

“LINLEY and Penfolds both strive to create the very finest products possible, whether this is wine or furniture, the aim remains the same – to produce something of a superlative quality using the best techniques and finest craftsmen and winemakers. Just as LINLEY push the boundaries to create innovative pieces of furniture, so too do Penfolds innovate and experiment to craft Australia’s most iconic wines. This important collaboration demonstrates the best of both brands,” says David Linley.

The collaboration extends to a bespoke Penfolds Wine Room, a new edition to the LINLEY flagship store located at 60 Pimlico Road, London.

The ‘LINLEY for Penfolds’ wine room has been designed to showcase the Penfolds Icon and Luxury wines, in addition to house a rare, Bin 170 Imperial. It is also an experiential destination where LINLEY clientele can taste Penfolds wines within an environment that celebrates high-end design and artisanship.

2010 Penfolds Bin 170 Kalimna Shiraz (limited edition) RRP:

750ml $1,800.00

Magnum (1.5 litres) $4,800.00

Imperial (6 litres) $65,500.00

[srbbones]

the bin number has been 95 for many years. but it wasn't always. way back in the early days it varied.

i'd be suspicious re the bottle with no bin number. can i ask you to check that bottle and if possible, take a photo. i'll get the guys at penfolds to check to make sure not fake.

grange has never been done in 'levels' but there once was a cabernet grange (1953 from memory). a stellar year. rumour has it that max lake (famous sydney doctor who wrote many food/wine books and set up 'lake's folly', oz's first boutique winery) bought almost the entire production of it. the grange from that year is one of the greatest. tried it a few years ago and still truly special.

what they do is have occasional one-offs. not granges but top wines that might be a special vineyard or blend or...

and yes, the st henri is a star this year, though i'd give the nod to the bin 170 (one of those rare one-offs). but it will be hard to find and the price is a bit breath-taking. $1,800 for a bottle, up to $65,000 for the imperial (only 7 made and in a special case). press release below.

Penfolds is proud to unveil a remarkable collaboration to mark 170 years of winemaking heritage. In its anniversary year, ‘LINLEY for Penfolds’ celebrates the birthplace of Dr Christopher Rawson Penfold, the founder of Penfolds, and is the ultimate expression of artisan craftsmanship.

The collaboration brings together an extraordinary commission to befit an extraordinary wine, the 2010 Bin 170 Kalimna Shiraz.

Created only once before in 1973, Bin 170 is a single block, single vineyard wine, sourced exclusively from old vines planted in the ancient soils of Block 3C, Kalimna Vineyard located in the Barossa Valley, South Australia.

To commemorate this limited edition fine wine release, Penfolds commissioned British cabinet maker, David Linley, through his luxury brand LINLEY, to create a number of bespoke signature cases using time-honoured and modern techniques.

The collaboration was inspired by Max Schubert’s ‘secret’ Grange vintages and celebrates the ‘secret craft’ of winemaking passed down from generation to generation. The result is a symbolic connection of two countries through history and materials – English oak from the birthplace of Penfolds founder Dr Christopher Rawson Penfold and fumed eucalyptus reflecting his new home, Australia.

Chief Winemaker Peter Gago, says; “This is such a befitting partnership. David Linley and his team of fine craftsmen share many of the values that Penfolds has honoured since it was founded in 1844. It is a pleasure to share such vision with LINLEY on this project.”

In total, seven imperial (six litre) bottle cases have been crafted for the collaboration, featuring the attention to detail, ingenuity, creative spirit and sophistication that the LINLEY brand is renowned.

Opening the case is an occasion in itself. It features a bespoke compass marked with intricate detail and precision engraving. To open each imperial case one must turn the precious jade inset dial to the longitude and latitude coordinates of Magill Estate – (-34, 138) – Penfolds spiritual home. Only then can the case be opened, to reveal the magnificent imperial bottle within.

Other features include a detailed Penfolds crest on the box exterior, created using the meticulous and labour intensive discipline of marquetry inlay. A secret drawer built into the box that is, according to LINLEY, “one of the most challenging features to include in a piece of furniture.” The drawer contains a stunning photographic journey of Kalimna Block 3C as well as a Certificate of Authenticity.

The drawer lid will be customised by LINLEY with the purchaser’s name and bottle number (from one to seven). The imperial case also includes a synthetic hygrometer combined with a bimetal thermometer to measure the perfect room climate, a barrel inspired interior and a bespoke wine pourer.

A limited edition LINLEY for Penfolds magnum case and 750 ml bottle case have also been crafted for this special release.

“LINLEY and Penfolds both strive to create the very finest products possible, whether this is wine or furniture, the aim remains the same – to produce something of a superlative quality using the best techniques and finest craftsmen and winemakers. Just as LINLEY push the boundaries to create innovative pieces of furniture, so too do Penfolds innovate and experiment to craft Australia’s most iconic wines. This important collaboration demonstrates the best of both brands,” says David Linley.

The collaboration extends to a bespoke Penfolds Wine Room, a new edition to the LINLEY flagship store located at 60 Pimlico Road, London.

The ‘LINLEY for Penfolds’ wine room has been designed to showcase the Penfolds Icon and Luxury wines, in addition to house a rare, Bin 170 Imperial. It is also an experiential destination where LINLEY clientele can taste Penfolds wines within an environment that celebrates high-end design and artisanship.

2010 Penfolds Bin 170 Kalimna Shiraz (limited edition) RRP:

750ml $1,800.00

Magnum (1.5 litres) $4,800.00

Imperial (6 litres) $65,500.00

Thanks Ken!

I tried to reply here with the pics, but I had trouble

I e-mailed the pics to El Pres, asking him to forward them to you

[Ken Gargett]

I tried to reply here with the pics, but I had trouble

I e-mailed the pics to El Pres, asking him to forward them to you

ta for that. look forward to them and see what i can find out - mind you, if he sends them to me on the same schedule he does videos, expect a response around october, if you are lucky.

[Fuzz]

Oddly enough, there are pics of the '99 that replace the "Bin 95" designation with "South Australian Shiraz".

[srbbones]

That's it. Good work! Thanks

[Ken Gargett]

Ken (or anyone else),

I saw a 2006 Grange on sale in a local shop here in the states. I didn't see a bin number on the label. Are there different tiers of Grange from the same vintage, and are those tiers distinguished by Bin 95 being tops, with no Bin number a step down? Something else?

Thanks

agree with fuzz. curious. might see what i can find out.

[Fuzz]

It would be interesting to hear what you find out, Ken.

Interesting to note, normally Grange has a bit of cabernet added, but some vintage are pure shiraz (eg '91, '99, '00, '01). Or perhaps, it's an export only label? (ie not for domestic sale)