The clinic where wines go for a check-up
At the Penfolds recorking clinic in Melbourne, oenophiles sniff out the experts' verdict on the condition (and value) of their precious Grange bottles.
The latest release from our most celebrated winemaker is certainly one for high-rollers: a six-litre bottle of Penfolds Grange 2012 in a lavish, hand-crafted crystal pouring cradle at the bargain price of $185,000.
Standing one metre high and weighing 50 kilograms, just five of the glittering diamond-cut centrepieces were made in collaboration with Europe's oldest glassmaker, French house Saint-Louis, which is owned by the Hermés group.
It's the first time the high-end glass company has worked with a brand outside of Europe, having previously made collectable bottles for Armani and Remy Martin.
The unveiling also celebrates the first time Grange will release a six litre bottle, upping-the-ante when it comes to premium, ultra-exclusive offerings with a strong appeal in the Asian market.
Grange Gala
The glittering 'Aevum Imperial Service Ritual' was revealed to much fanfare at the Magill Estate Wine Gala dinner, held in the depths of Penfolds' original cellars outside Adelaide.
Around 140 of the wine world's most influential people gathered at an opulent 50 meter-long dinner table to mark the launch of the Grange 2012 alongside the other big hitters in the Penfolds Collection 2016, which are all on sale around the country from tomorrow.
Penfolds' black tie event recalled big-budget bashes of the past, with a Hogwarts vibe about the underground feast.
A mix of wine industry heavies, hospitality spenders, special customers, and media influencers gathered by the Magill vines for a bout of contemporary dance from Australian Dance Theatre before a Welcome to Country beside vast 5000 litre barrels.
A surprise special guest opened the door to the dazzling dining room – actor and wine enthusiast Sam Neill was the night's most high profile VIP. "What am I doing here, you might ask?" the Jurassic Park legend said. "I was wondering that myself."
Crystal palace
Neill didn't have to wonder for very long as an eight-course feast hit the lacquered black table, which was set with hundreds of glittering crystal Saint-Louis glasses freighted from France for the occasion.
The menu was a flawless presentation of produce from the Magill Estate Restaurant's husband-and-wife chefs Scott Huggins and Emma McCaskill, which included caviar, foie gras and quail.
Over slivers of wagyu beef and mustard, guests were asked to compare the 2012 Grange next to the 2002. "[The wine can] be opened and enjoyed now, or potentially over the next four or more decades", said Peter Gago, Penfolds' charismatic Chief Winemaker.
Immaculate collection
The Penfolds Collection 2016 features 19 new release wines, made from across five different vintages, including the 20th anniversary 2014 Yattarna Chardonnay and the 2013 St Henri Shiraz, which celebrates 60 years since the wine's first release.
If the $185,000 Aevum is a little out of your price range, you can pick up a limited edition 750ml crystal decanter with bottle of Grange for $2100, a just the wine for $850 a bottle. A bargain.