Penfolds Annual Collection Release 2025

The latest release of Penfolds famous wine export is about to hit the shelves — but if you can’t spare a lazy $1000, then buy this instead.

This year’s Penfolds Grange is exceptional, but if you can’t afford it like the rest of us, then try these wines instead.

Penfolds Grange is undoubtedly our most-famous global wine export.

Australia’s king of shiraz oozes dinner party swagger and is a must-have in any wine buff’s collection.

A bottle from the latest vintage starts at $1000, and it’s rare to sniff out a “by the glass” offering around town. Society used to do this, but sadly is no longer available.

But like any fine wine, Grange gets better with age.

Not only does it taste better after a few decades on the bench, but earns its keep.

In 2021, a bottle from the 1951 experiment went for an eye-watering $157,624 at auction – making it the most expensive bottle of Australian wine ever sold.

Talk about expensive taste.

When asked how he rates this year’s collection, Penfolds chief winemaker Peter Gago responds with one word: “impressive”.

“No two Penfolds Collection releases are ever the same.

The ’21 Grange reaffirms its regal role, with the ’23 Bin 707 & ’23 Yattarna on either side. And did I mention the ’22 St Henri?”

“If this is your first sip of Grange, then expect the unexpected. A style, a blend, an experience. Buoyant, layered, accessible,” he says.

“In about 30 years we may be more confidently able to tell you just how it ranks.”

Herald Sun food and wine editor Kara Monssen tasting her way through the 2025 Penfold's Collection. Picture Marten Ascenzo.

If you’re like the rest of us and have been priced out of the Grange equation, fear not.

After tasting the entire collection, these are my favourites, starting at a friendlier $45.

With whites, I always look forward to tasting the Bin 51 riesling – a fiercely fresh, food friendly tipple that’s fabulously expressed. Think yellow apples, lime and honeydew melon.

If you’ve got more cash to splash, the 2024 Reserve Bin A Chardonnay is worth a look. While this year’s flagship Yattarna rests on its acidity and minerality, the Bin A was ripe with yellow peaches, popcorn, caramel and classic chardonnay oak.

On reds, grenache was having a moment, as a show-stealing stand alone Bin 21 pour and within the Bin 138 Barossa Valley GSM.

Though if you’re looking to spend the big bucks, I won’t steer you from the Bin 707 (strictly cabernet sauvignon) or the Grange; it’s one of my favourite vintages to date – approachable, tender, layered with plush black fruits, milk chocolate, cedar and a suckerpunch of tannin that’ll no doubt mellow over time.

PENFOLD’S 2025 ANNUAL RELEASE

2025 Penfold's BIN 51 Riesling.

2025 BIN 51 RIESLING: $45

Expect a breeze of yellow apple, honeydew melon and lime aromas, followed with lipsmacking fresh Granny Smiths, lime and melon to taste. This wine is made from grapes plucked in South Australia’s Eden Valley region. Bright and punchy, it’s perfect for summer time barbecues or Asian eats.

2024 Penfolds BIN23 Pinot Noir

2024 BIN 23 PINOT NOIR: $55

A juicy muddle of raspberries, strawberries with elements of spice and soil. Think young ripe cherries and stewed rhubarb upfront, back-ended by subtle cayenne pepper spice and marathon-length finish. A celebration of Tasmanian pinot noir at its finest.

2023 Penfold's BIN 138 Grenache, Shiraz, Mataro

2023 BIN 138 GSM: $60

Barossa Valley grenache takes centre stage in this traditional hat-trick of syrah and Mataro. Loaded with ripe strawberries, raspberries and juicy red plums, it’s a fruit salad of tart red berries and baking spices. Slippery satin texture, with a tickle of tannin, it’s approachable drinking on all fronts.

2024 Penfolds Reserve BIN A Chardonnay.

2024 RESERVE BIN A CHARDONNAY: $125

One for the “big, bold chardy” lovers. Expect toasted hazelnuts, caramel chews, yellow peaches and popcorn on the nose, with a giving waxy mouthfeel brimming with grapefruit, plush yellow nectarine, snappy yellow apples and saline.

2023 Penfold's Magill Estate Shiraz.

2023 MAGILL ESTATE SHIRAZ: $180

Tells the story of Penfold’s spiritual home at Magill Estate. This elegant sipper delivers a spicy perfume of stewed blood plums and cranberries, with a punchy paprika kick. Silk pyjama soft mouthfeel, flush with tart black plums, licorice and blueberries.

Available August 7: penfolds.com