Penfolds Great Grandfather Rare Tawny was created in 1994 to celebrate the 150th anniversary of Penfolds. Subsequent blending material has been sourced from stage six of the ‘Grandfather Solera’ and individual batches of maturing Grandfather that are identified as having exceptional quality. These components are further aged before being blended and introduced into the ‘Great Grandfather Solera’. After an initial launch of exactly 1994 bottles to commemorate the year of its inaugural release, Great Grandfather is only ever released in limited quantities to ensure the age and quality of the style is never compromised. With a minimum average blended age of 30 years, Penfolds Great Grandfather Rare Tawny delivers a beguiling mix of age, structure, strength and complexity with each and every sip. Specially selected South Australian vineyards. Many of the vineyards selected for the production of the first release of Great Grandfather are still utilised for the current release. These vineyards are selected for their consistently high quality and reliability year after year. As Great Grandfather is produced using a Solera system and sourced from additionally matured Grandfather stocks, it will always retain every variety used, albeit in small amounts. Of the some 13 varieties identified the major varieties which form the backbone of the blend from year to year are Shiraz, Grenache, Mataro and Cabernet. A specially selected ex-still fortifying spirit that has a distinctive aroma and flavour is then added. The selected spirit has an abv of 80-85% with the power and intensity to accompany and enhance the 30 years of age concentration and complexity without presenting as the dominant character. While spirit is the main driver of style in younger wines it becomes a less dominant contributor in wines of this age as the aged components take the forefront. The current Great Grandfather Solera contains a vintage span of 42 years with individual components covering 1960 to 2002 included. This large span of vintages ensures consistency and that the required level of age and youth for complexity and freshness is maintained. Lustrous deep tawny in colour with an obvious yellow-green edge. The aromas are intense, fragrant and seductive. Alluring toffee/praline notes. Rich fruit characters of quince paste, fig, raisin and candied peel. Toasted almonds and roasted chestnuts. The aromatic elements conspire into a wonderful integration, that complexes and evolves in the glass. Seamless and integrated from start to finish. Dark fruitcake, milk and dark chocolate, coffee, vanillin and aniseed all in abundance. Toffee/brûlée sugar with orange zest and marzipan add length and balance to the palate. The richness and weight of the wine are held in harmony by the spirit-acid balance, which conveys the long, persistent finish.

The storied vineyards of France famously gave Max Schubert his inspiration for Grange. With this release we head back to France for the inaugural FWT 543 release. A classic Australian blend of structural Cabernet Sauvignon and rich, textural Syrah, reimagined in a French context. Fruit sweetness intertwines with brioche oak and lively acidity for a sensory delight.

Immerse yourself in aromas of fresh dark berries and a delicate floral lift, underpinned by intriguing hints of forest floor and a subtle smokiness. The taste is expansive, revealing layers of dark fruit, a fine chalky minerality, and a precise acidity that carries through to a persistent, beautifully structured finish, showcasing the strength of Pinot Noir.

This Blanc de Blancs opens with an ethereal ascent of citrus and a whisper of confectionery. On tasting, it shows a delicate yet persistent mousse, with notes of citrus, vanilla pod, and a subtle varietal savouriness that carries through to a wonderfully long and complete finish, showcasing exceptional purity and balance.

The structure of Cabernet Sauvignon meets the richness of Shiraz. A benchmark Penfolds wine and one of the most collected wines in Australia. Evocative barrel ferment character, red currant, cranberry, wild cherry, vanilla and exotic spice ensure the wine is true to style. Fine tannins and acidity ensure length and vibrancy. The perfect wine to mark the moment, big or small.