Penfolds marks 170 years with £33k wine

Penfolds has released a limited edition run of its 2010 Bin 170 Kalimna Shiraz, housed in a bespoke case designed by British cabinet maker, David Linley, to mark its 170th year.

Created only once before in 1973, Bin 170 is a single block, single vineyard wine, sourced exclusively from old vines planted in the ancient soils of Block 3C in the Kalimna Vineyard, located in the Barossa Valley, South Australia.

British cabinet maker, David Linley, through his luxury brand Linley, was commissioned by Penfolds to create bespoke cases to house just seven imperial (six litre) bottles, which cost around £33,000 (US$60,000), to mark the milestone.

The signature casing was inspired by founder Dr Christopher Rawson Penfold and features English oak, symbolising his birthplace, and fumed eucalyptus, recognising his new home of Australia.

Chief Winemaker Peter Gago, said: “This is such a befitting partnership. David Linley and his team of fine craftsmen share many of the values that Penfolds has honoured since it was founded in 1844. It is a pleasure to share such vision with Linley on this project.”

Each case features a compass inset with jade which much be turned to the longitude and latitude coordinates of Magill Estate (-34, 138) ­– “the spiritual home of Penfolds” – in order to open the case.

The case aso includes a secret drawer which, according to Linely, is “one of the most challenging features to include in a piece of furniture”, containing a photographic journey of Kalimna Block 3C as well as a Certificate of Authenticity.

The imperial case will also include a synthetic hygrometer combined with a bimetal thermometer to measure the perfect room climate, a barrel inspired interior and a bespoke wine pourer.

David Linley said: “Linley and Penfolds both strive to create the very finest products possible. Whether this is wine or furniture, the aim remains the same – to produce something of a superlative quality using the besttechniques, finest craftsmen and winemakers. Just as Linley pushes the boundaries to create innovative pieces of furniture, so too does Penfolds innovate and experiment to craft Australia’s most iconic wines. This important collaboration demonstrates the best of both brands.”

A limited edition Linley for Penfolds magnum case and 750 ml bottle case have also been crafted for the release.