Giving wine as a gift can be something of a minefield. You need to know what the recipient likes and usually drinks – and, let’s be honest, when it comes to wine, there are near infinite options. There can be something distinctly ceremonial about gifting wine but, with so many choices, it can be hard to make the right decision.
However, if you opt for a winemaker that is renowned for its quality and inimitable style, you can be assured you’re onto a winner. Enter Penfolds, a winery founded in Australia in 1844 and a staunch favourite today among critics and collectors around the globe thanks to its boundary-pushing, award-winning wines – many of which have outstanding ageing potential.
To add an extra element to gift giving this year, Penfolds has released new limited-edition gift boxes for some of its most beloved wines: Penfolds Bin 389, which combines the structure of Cabernet Sauvignon with the richness of Shiraz; Penfolds Bin 28, a ripe, robust and generously flavoured Shiraz; and the Penfolds Max’s range, including its elegant Chardonnay. These wines are perfect examples of Penfolds’ house style and – with beautiful packaging inspired by the underwater world – there’s no chicer choice of wine to impress with this Christmas.
Bin 389 Cabernet Shiraz 2021
A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz, this red wine is a full-bodied delight. Expect an inky, deep colour in the glass and an abundance of forest fruits, black pepper and dried bay leaf on the nose. When you drink it, black fruits such as cherry and blackberry mingle delightfully with a chocolate depth and spicy warmth, bringing the styles of each grape together magically, yet allowing each to keep their distinct flavour. This would be an excellent wine to gift to any friend who fancies themselves a wine connoisseur, as it’s complex and can be aged until 2055.
Bin 28 Shiraz 2021
If you want as classic an expression of warm-climate Australian Shiraz as you can get, Bin 28 is the bottle to reach for. By picking the best grapes from each of Australia’s wine-growing regions, Penfolds has crafted a robust, velvety generous wine where savoury, umami-rich flavours balance the generous fruits and mocha notes on the palate. An exquisite wine to pair with rich, flavoursome dishes, this is one to enjoy over the festive season or keep for a future special occasion, as – if kept in the right conditions – this wine will age well in the years to come.
Max’s Chardonnay 2022
Named in tribute to Penfolds’ former chief winemaker, Max Schubert, creator of the brand’s most iconic wine, Grange, this 2022 Chardonnay is a wine he would’ve been proud of. With a flinty minerality to balance the white peach and biscuit notes that come from its time in oak, it is a wonderful example of just how good Australian Chardonnay can be, especially when served alongside festive hors d’oeuvres such as salmon blinis, or served alongside your festive roast turkey or goose.
Novices and wine connoisseurs alike will delight in finding a gift of Penfolds wine under the tree for them this Christmas and it can make the ideal gift for your host, too. Add its supremely stylish new gift packs to the equation and Penfolds is set to be a winner in the gifting stakes this Christmas.
Discover the new gift collection at Penfolds.com/venturebeyonduk
Please drink responsibly. For more information, visit bedrinkaware.co.uk
