One of Australia's most renowned domaines, Penfolds was founded in 1844 by the English doctor Christopher Rawson Penfolds. In its beginnings the domaine produced mainly fortified wines (in the style of Port or Sherry) although dry whites and reds were also made. From 1900, the estate built up an admirable reputation thanks to the ageing potential of its fine reds. From 1950 onwards, Penfolds began producing exclusively red wines made from the Syrah grape varietal by their cellar master Max Schubert. Over the years the domaine has been merged with various companies to become today the property of Treasury Wine Estates. The vineyard is situated in the heart of the Adelaide hills in southern Australia. Penfolds is the standard bearer for fine Australian wine thanks to the high quality and consistency of its cuvées from the flagship to the entry level wines. This is quite a feat considering the estate spans 700 hectares. When it comes to the New World, Penfolds is a leading light.

First released in 2008, this cuvée was thought up as a twin to the Bin 707, marrying different Australian terroirs to promote Coonawarra and its ‘terra rossa’ clay soils. The grapes used are from the same parcels initially cultivated by Max Schubert in 1973.
Only produced in the finest vintages, Bin 169 is a pure Cabernet Sauvignon matured for 18 months in French oak casks, 50% of which are new.
An explosion of fruit that gives off aromas of raspberry, redcurrant, blackcurrant, and even a hint of rhubarb. All of this is underscored by a light oakiness reminiscent of Earl Grey. Its powerful body envelopes a nicely acidic palate, structured by fine grain tannins. There’s a coherence between the nose and the palate, with the addition of spices and cedarwood to the latter. This cuvée has an infinite finish, helping to qualify it as one of Australia’s top names.