When it comes to Australian wine, Penfolds is a name that stands tall, both figuratively and literally (checkout the iconic vertical signage at Magill Estate ☝️). This label put Australian wines on the global stage, crating the country’s first truly age-worthy wine. And it all started with a secret project by Penfolds’ mail boy turned Chief winemaker. Intrigued? Let’s dive in.
The history of Penfolds
Penfolds dates back to 1844, making it one of Australia’s oldest and most prestigious wine producers. Founded by Dr. Christopher Penfold and his wife, Mary, who originally made fortified wines for medicinal use (yes, back then, wine was considered “good for your health”). These early wines set the stage for Penfolds' reputation for quality, but it wasn’t until the 1950s, with an experimental wine, that Penfolds truly hit the global stage.
That wine? Grange.
Max Schubert, who joined Penfolds as a mail boy in 1931, rose through the ranks to become Chief winemaker. Inspired by the longevity of French wines, he secretly created Grange. Originally named Grange Hermitage (inspired by the powerful Shiraz-based wines of the Rhône), the name was shortened to just “Grange” in 1990 due to international naming regulations. But the wine’s bold, complex character has remained unchanged.
The story goes that Penfolds management wasn’t impressed with Schubert’s Grange at first, so he made it in secret until it earned critical acclaim. Today, Grange is not only the flagship wine of Penfolds but also one of the world’s most celebrated wines—Australia’s first truly age-worthy wine.
Caption: Sourced from Penfolds - Max Schubert with an early release of ‘Grange’.
Penfolds wines
Now, let’s talk about what Penfolds does best: wine. While Grange is the superstar, Penfolds has an impressive lineup that spans different styles and price points, making it a go-to for both drinking and investment.
Grange is mostly made from Shiraz, with a touch of Cabernet Sauvignon in some vintages. What sets it apart is the use of grapes from multiple vineyards across South Australia, including Barossa Valley, Coonawarra, and occasionally Magill Estate. This diverse sourcing gives Grange incredible depth, power, and consistency, making it a favourite among collectors and investors.
- 1951 Grange holds the title of being the most expensive Australian wine ever sold at auction – the ultimate collector's item (if you’ve got $150K+ to spare).
- The 2008 Grange is highly rated, receiving a rare 100-point score from two top critics for a single vintage.
- The 2018 Grange is considered one of the best of all time, boasting 100-point scores from not two, but five critics!
Other stars in the Penfolds lineup
If Grange is out of your budget, Penfolds offers other high-quality wines worth exploring:
- Bin 389: Dubbed “Baby Grange,” Bin 389 is a Shiraz-Cabernet blend aged in the same barrels once used for Grange. It’s a great way to experience a taste of Grange without breaking the bank. For example, a bottle of 2018 Penfolds Grange might set you back around $1,000, while the 2018 Bin 389, its “Baby Grange” sibling, goes for closer to $100.
- Bin 707: A pure Cabernet Sauvignon that showcases Penfolds’ mastery in creating rich, elegant wines.
- Yattarna Chardonnay: Known as the “White Grange,” this premium Chardonnay is sourced from cool-climate vineyards and reflects the same attention to detail as Penfolds’ reds.
Why collectors love Penfolds
Penfolds is considered a blue-chip asset in the wine world. Its wines, especially Grange, consistently fetch high prices at auction and are sought after by collectors worldwide.
What makes Penfolds a blue-chip asset? Reputation, quality, aging potential, rarity, demand, and consistent performance—all boxes ticked.
Grange has earned over 30 perfect scores from leading wine critics, and while Australia doesn’t have a formal classification system like Bordeaux’s esteemed 1855 classification, Grange is one of only 21 wines awarded “1st Classified” status in Langton’s Classification, Australia’s equivalent.
Globally, Liv-ex, which tracks the wine market, also recreated the 1855 classification in 2017, and Grange was one of only 19 wines listed as a First Growth, placing it among the world’s best.
Aside from being one of the best wines in the world. Penfolds also makes wine all over the world. Today, Penfolds spans both Northern and Southern Hemispheres with projects in California, France and even China, which showcases their continued innovation and growing demand internationally.
Caption: Sourced from Penfolds - The Ningxia winemaking region home of Penfolds first China-sourced wine.
Summary
Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just starting out, Penfolds offers something special. From its secretive beginnings to global fame, Penfolds has earned its place as a top-tier investment-grade producer. Whether you’re sipping on a Bin 389 or holding onto a Grange, Penfolds wines have a proven track record of quality, longevity, and investment potential, making them a solid choice for any collection.
