By Amy Looker
The countdown has begun for the much-anticipated release of the 2012 Penfolds Icon and Luxury Collection.
The entire Icon and Luxury range, spanning four vintages, is due for release on Thursday, 3 May.
There are eight wines within the collection, with several ear-marked for sale to cellar-door and on-premise customers only, including the inaugural re-release of the 2008 Penfolds Bin 169 Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon, which is modeled on the earlier 1973 release of Bin 169.
However, most interest will directed at the release of the 2007 Penfolds Grange, which chief winemaker, Peter Gago, has unsurprisingly singled out as the standout of the collection.
“Aromatically captivating and convincing, similar to the 1987 in its formative years, and stronger than the 1997,” Gago said. “This is easily the key Penfolds wine from the 2007 South Australian vintage, as it should be.”
Gago, who spoke exclusively to TheShout recently, said the entire Icon and Luxury Collection was reflective of the Penfolds philosophy to winemaking.
“This release is proudly Penfolds. Spanning four vintages it includes the best of the new, with the inaugural release of the 2008 Bin 169 Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon,” Gago said.
”The collection also highlights a distinctive expression of Shiraz from one of our best St Henri releases to date. Strength, character and poise are evident in this offering, showcasing great length, richness and finesse.”
The Australian 2012 Penfolds Luxury and Icon release includes:
2007 Penfolds Grange from $625.00 RRP
2009 Penfolds Yattarna Chardonnay $130.00 RRP (cellar door and on-premise)
2010 Penfolds Reserve Bin A Adelaide Hills Chardonnay $95.00 RRP
2008 Penfolds St Henri Shiraz $95.00 RRP
2009 Penfolds Bin 707 Cabernet Sauvignon $250.00 RRP
2008 Penfolds Bin 169 Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon $250.00 RRP (cellar door)
2009 Penfolds RWT Barossa Valley Shiraz $175.00 RRP
2009 Penfolds Magill Estate Shiraz $130.00 RRP (cellar door and on-premise)