Penfolds Ampoule on sale at Sydney airport

One of just 12 Penfolds Ampoules in existence has gone on sale at Sydney airport, thanks to the Nuance Group Australia.

Nuance’s Penfolds Ampoule (number 11 of 12) is on sale for AU$168,000 (£110,000), and is the only Penfolds Ampoule which is available to view and buy in retail stores anywhere in the Australian domestic or duty free markets.

James Hunt the wine and Champagne business manager for the Nuance Group Australia said: “Securing one of only 12 of these exclusive pieces for Sydney Airport is an important part of our strategy to deliver exclusive products and experiences to our premium customers.”

“Our aged and rare offering is growing as we respond to demand from certain customer groups who are looking for premium products which have limited availability and therefore a high prestige status.”

The Penfolds Ampoule contains 2004 Kalimna Block 42 Cabernet Sauvignon and is encased in a “glass plumb-bob which suspends the ampoule within a Jarrah-wood cabinet.”

When the purchaser finally decides to open the ampoule, a senior member of the Penfolds winemaking team will travel to the owner’s location for a “special opening ceremony”.

The ampoule will be opened using a specially designed, tungsten-tipped, sterling silver scribe-snap. The winemaker will then prepare the wine using a sterling silver tastevin.

Sandy Mayo, the global business director for Penfolds, said: “We believe the Penfolds Ampoule represents the perfect symmetry of two of our greatest goals; to showcase the very best of South Australian wine and to highlight the exquisite craftsmanship and skill that is fuelling Penfolds’ pioneering winemaking revolution.

“The premium customers who purchase wines in Nuance stores in Australia will appreciate the artistry and the quality of the Penfolds Ampoule.”