Penfolds Launches New Champagne

When it comes to high-quality Australian wine, Penfolds is the name that springs to mind for us and for many others no doubt.

In 1844, Dr. Chrstopher Penfold and wife, Mary Penfold made the daunting move from England all the way over to Australia. Crucially, they stopped at France for vine cuttings and when these were planted at the Magill Estate near Adelaide, Penfolds was born. To celebrate their 180th birthday this year, they’ve given quite the present to themselves and us.

We’re big fans of Penfolds because they are just so reliable, no matter your budget. Indeed, they’ve provided many a wine for our Bring a Bottle podcast. If you see a Penfolds bottle on a shelf, you know that what’s inside won’t disappoint… and there really aren’t that many producers you can say that about.

We’ve luxuriated in their fantastic Shiraz range for a long time, but this isn’t about classic Aussie reds, this is about bubbles. More specifically, the Penfolds New Cuvée Brut Champagne. Working with Champagne Thiénot and expanding their links with France that started everything 180 years ago, Penfolds’ Chief Winemaker Peter Gago and Champagne Thiénot’s Chef de Cave Nicolas Uriel have conceived the project.

Not only did Penfolds originate with French vines, but legendary winemaker Max Schubert also learnt from Bordeaux ideas and techniques for Penfold’s iconic 1951 Grange, their most famous wine. All these years later, and the focus remains on intertwining French methods with Penfold’s classic house style.

This new Champagne follows Penfolds’ inaugural release of three 2012 vintage Champagnes at The Ritz Paris in 2019. Since then, they’ve been working at getting increasingly involved with on-the-ground winemaking in France, setting up at La Place de Bordeaux, Château Cambon la Pelouse and others. So, whilst this release looks back and celebrates 180 years of winemaking, it also seems like the beginning of something very exciting (and delicious).

The product of this luxury collaboration will be released across the globe later in the year in September 2024, expected to price at around $79 Australian Dollars, around £41.

The Best from Down Under: 8 Australian Wines and Spirits You Have to Try

We’ve turned Down under upside down to find their greatest wines and spirits, perfect for Australia Day but also any other day, let’s be honest!

Aussie grape vines are some of the oldest in the world, and with such diverse terroir, it’s no wonder that Aussies only import 20% of their wine – they know they’ve got some of the best already on their doorstep.

Whilst wines might be their best-known output, they’re also flourishing with spirits, producing some delicious, distinct, and characterful bottles that we love. These are 8 you have to try.

Spirits

Brookie's Byron Dry Gin

The work of the Brook Family at their Cape Byron Distillery, this gin is a celebration of the unique terroir of the Northern Rivers. 17 of the 25 botanicals are native to this area around Byron Bay, including raspberries, cinnamon, aniseed, finger limes, river mint and macademia. Juniper ultimately leads the way, but backed up by raspberry, liquorice, macademia, zesty citrus and lively cinnamon… there is so much to love. It makes incredible Gin Martinis.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 46%
Find here: £38.74

Starward Fortis Whisky

Big but elegant, this bold single malt shows what Australia whisky can do. It’s matured completely in American oak that previously held red wine, so you get plenty of jammy berries, dried fruits and oaky vanilla. The sips are super smooth too, coating the mouth with warming cinnamon and clove spice. With richness and depth of flavour, this is incredibly well rounded and well worth picking up.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 50%
Find here: £58.95 (usually more!)

Regal Rogue Wild Rosé Vermouth

We love Regal Rogue because they really go for it with the wines in their Vermouth selection. With Wild Rosé, they deliver a big and bright fruit-forward expression making the most of native Illawara plums, rosella, and strawberries with Barossa Cabernet Rosé for a stunning red fruit symphony. Refreshing, complex, subtle and satisfying.

Size: 500ml
ABV: 16.5%
Find here: £18.30

Bundaberg Rum

Some people refuse to accept this Queensland gem is a rum because it doesn’t quite reach the 37.5% minimum ABV, but when you taste it you won’t care one bit. The slightly lower percentage gives way to demerara sweetness with heaps of spicy molasses. Bundaberg is known for its distinctive character, carrying heaps of sugary spice right through to the mellow finish. It's smooth and soft but we’d recommend it with a mixer like ginger beer to get the most out of it.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 37%
Find here: £32.04 (usually more!)

Manly Spirits Co. Marine Botanical Vodka

This Sydney distillery focuses on maximum flavour extraction using Australian wheat. In fact, the process is just like a gin but without the juniper. Sustainable native marine botanicals like sea parsley and kelp produce a maritime, savoury profile with the perfect touch of salt. If you’re into Dirty Martinis, then an umami gem like this is a must try.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 41.6%
Find here: £34.79

Wine

Greasy Fingers Chardonnay

Quite a newcomer from Pernod Ricard, this decadent drop fulfils its label promise of ‘big and buttery’. Oaky vanilla hits from the first sip, and the palate fills out with orchard fruits, but it’s the buttery, creamy deliciousness that steals the show, and makes this a tremendous companion for, as they say, greasy foods.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13%
Find here: £10

Mino & Co A Growers Touch Durif 2022

There’s such a beautiful colour to this Aussie red – an inviting crimson red. Mulberry and blueberry dominate a seductive nose, followed by signature Durif palate flavours of dark fruits, hints of vanilla and coconut, and powerful mulberry again. A little oaky spice on the finish too. This is a wine that booms.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 14%
Find here: £10.98

Bird in Hand Sparkling

Sarah Burvill, one of the world’s leading winemakers, is at the helm of Bird in Hand in the Adelaide Hills, and her fizz is top notch. It’s her flagship style, all starting from some of the world’s oldest, richest soils. Behind that beautiful blush is a tantalising and elegant warm climate dryness, with strawberries from the Pinot Noir and pretty, fruity depths.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12.5%
Find here: £15.99

Of course, this is just a drop in the ocean (albeit a delicious drop) when it comes to Australian wine. Check out more of the best Down Under wines here!

Down Under’s Finest: The Best Of Australian Wine

Australia has massively diverse wine regions, some of the oldest vines on the planet and is the biggest wine producer in the southern hemisphere, so it’s fair to say there’s a lot going on!

Luckily for you, we’ve sifted through and selected the best bottles from key Australian styles so you can dive into the country’s massive pool of wine. An entire pool of wine, now that’s a thought. Once you’re finished daydreaming, we’ll start with Australia’s most popular grape varietal...

Barossa Valley Shiraz

McGuigan Shortlist Barossa Valley Shiraz

A classic full-flavoured and fruit-driven Barossa Valley Shiraz, this wine is plush with juicy plum and ripe mulberry. Because of the maturation in a blend of American and French hogsheads, there are background hints of soft vanilla and spice too. Leave it a little while to open up and it feels lovingly fresh and vibrant leaving you wanting sip after sip. The slight acidity would cut through grilled meats and hearty vegetable dishes very nicely as well.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 14%
Find here: £15

Barossa Ink Shiraz

Drawing on grapes from the entire Barossa area, the resulting liquid is packed with intensity with plenty of mocha notes from the oak ageing as well as fruit-forward berries. Let it breathe for an hour before drinking to really let the flavours sing. Hearty meats and steak would pair fantastically with this bottle.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 14%
Find here: £10

Eden Valley Riesling

Pewsey Vale Riesling 2021

Australia is second only to Germany for Riesling production, and this is one you can rely on. It has an intense nose of minerality, lemon and lime, with more orchard notes on the palate – green apple and pear lead the show. It’s crisp and dry with very gentle herbal and floral touches before minerality returns on the finish. Leave it a while to open up for the best results. This Riesling would be great with tonnes of different dishes from seafood to salty meats and cheeses, and even spicier options – you really can’t go too wrong.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12.5%
Find here: UK £16.75 // US $19.99

Not Your Grandma’s Riesling 2021

This is a bone-dry Riesling has that quintessential in your face citrus acidity with lemon and lime upfront and softer apple and pear behind. There’s a lovely salinity and steely minerality wrapped up in a sumptuous mouthfeel and all in all, it feels powerful on the palate. It’s another wine that can cope with stronger food flavours too so well worth picking up and come on, we’ve got to mention the label!

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12%
Find here: £16.50

Rag & Bone Riesling 2020

From The Magpie Estate, this is a classic Eden Valley Riesling with lots of ripe fruit flooding the nose, most significantly fresh lime and minerals. Crisp citrus unfolds on tasting with more lemon than lime and a touch of sweetness in what is a stunningly fresh and balanced wine.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12.5%
Find here: £12.75

Margaret River Chardonnay

Filius Chardonnay

Australia has been making expert use of this grape in modern times, particularly from slightly cooler parts like Margaret River on the west coast. The first vineyard there was Vasse Felix, which created this fragrant fruit-forward Chardonnay. There’s the zip of lemon, with aromatic peach, mango and pear, and a touch of white pepper. It’s full bodied with buttery softness in the mouth and bakery characteristics, but with a slight acid crunch to cut through the sweetness with precision. Mouth-wateringly moreish!

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13%
Find here: UK £18.20 // US $25.99

Flametree Chardonnay 2020

Flametree Wines sits on the beautiful shores of Geographe Bay where Margaret River begins. Their previous vintage won Decanter Magazine Wine of the Year in 2021 and the follow-up doesn’t disappoint. The 9 months of oak ageing give a lovely toasty spice that verges on buttery pastry, and that’s lifted by white peach and tropical citrus. Super-easy drinking and balanced from nose to finish.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13%
Find here: £17.49

Hay Shed Hill Chardonnay 2019

This is a fantastic showcase of Margaret River Chardonnay. Straight away it’s classic stone fruit and buttery oak on the nose, opening up to a crisp and clean palate filled with dried apricot and citrus, whilst retaining the oaky notes until the finish. Every element is restrained where it needs to be and you’ll be going back for more if you’re anything like us!

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13%
Find here: £15.50

Margaret RIVER Cabernet Sauvignon

Filius Cabernet Sauvignon 2018

This is a seriously juicy and expressive upfront wine brimming with concentrated flavour. Think dark berries and tangy citrus but with an almost savoury earthy note. There’s a lot going on but in a good way, and it’s even better explored after aeration. It’ll sit perfectly beside any roasts you’re cooking up, particularly lamb and beef.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 14%
Find here: UK £19.99 // US $23.99

Amy’s 2018 – Moss Wood

From Filius to another founding Margaret River estate, it’s Moss Wood with Amy’s 2018, named after the owner and winemaker’s grandmother. It’s a Cab blend with Merlot, Malbec and Petit Verdot added in equal measure before 18 months of oak ageing. It’s elegant but structured, anchored by an oaky earthy complexity. Blackcurrant, cherry and a touch of eucalyptus show themselves, but there’s even detectable minerality and peppery spice so it’s really full of life. Critics love it so see for yourself!

Size: 750ml
ABV: 14%
Find here: £16.99

Discovery Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 – Domaine Naturaliste

This delicious ruby red opens with a lively black fruit nose with curious pepper, mint and a subtly perfumy profile. This bold character continues with nice acidity, ever-present cassis, and lovely suggestions of dark chocolate and coffee. Nom!

Size: 750ml
ABV: 14%
Find here: £12.50

Rutherglen Muscat

Campbell's Rutherglen Muscat

This classically Australian, rich fortified wine has been overlooked in recent times, but there are still quality producers like Campbells in Victoria. Made in a similar way to sherry, new wine is introduced to older barrels and the result is liquid nectar that is dangerously moreish. It’s sweet with raisins and caramel and makes for a stunning dessert wine. Indulge yourself!

Size: 750ml
ABV: 17.5%
Find here: £12.99 Waitrose

Others

Kooliburra Sparkling Shiraz

You don’t find a sparkling red every day, and less so one that’s worth buying but this represents incredible value. Australia has been producing wonderful sparkling Shiraz for some time now and it’s underappreciated. Blackberry and rich raspberries cut through refreshing bubbles for a wine that’s best served only slightly chilled. Serve with saltier cheeses and grilled meats.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13.5%
Find here: £5.99 Aldi

Wynns Coonawarra Estate Shiraz 2020

Coonwarra’s cool climate and renowned terra rossa soils have established a global reputation, producing some of Australia’s best reds. This Shiraz is bright and silky with an elegant mulberry and blackberry notes. Delicate oak adds support without dominating the character, and very gentle warming spice sees through the finish. Every sip is interesting with no one note dominating. Try it with beef or even something with spicier dressings.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 14.4%
Find here: £11.75

Penfolds Max’s Shiraz - Cabernet

This is a fitting tribute to former Chief Winemaker of Penfolds, Max Schubert. You’ll find generous notes of rich fruit from the Shiraz alongside a solid Cabernet Sauvignon structure to create a seriously loveable wine. Subtle chocolate, coffee and vanilla hints combine magically but don’t overstay their welcome. Impeccable balance and perfect for stews and red meats, this is a wine of real quality.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 14.5%
Find here: UK £20 Tesco // US $19.99

The Good Luck Club Cabernet Sauvignon 2020

Another wine from the prestigious Magpie Estate in the Ebenezer District, this intriguingly labelled bottle is 24 months aged in French oak leading to great structure and bold flavours. Mellow vanilla and oak sit beneath damson, blackcurrant, and blackberry, all wrapped up in a gorgeously smooth mouthfeel that more than hits the mark.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 14.5%
Find here: £13.95

If you’re in the mood for some other Australian gems, we’ve harvested the cream of their crop here.

Down Under’s Finest: 8 Australian Drinks You Need to Try

Australian wine is probably their most well-known alcoholic output, but there are incredible and overlooked gems to be found whatever you drink.

We’ve turned Down Under upside down trying to find the cream of the crop and have pulled together this almighty list, including gin, whisky, rum, vermouth, liqueur and even a sublime alcohol-free option so let’s waste no more time.

GIN

Four Pillars Olive Leaf Gin

Over the last decade, Four Pillars have grown from a small craft distillery into multi-award-winning gin royalty. Olive Leaf is their savoury expression, using three virgin olive oils and olive leaf tea to create a gorgeously rich and subtly vegetal profile. The juniper is earthy, with herbaceous bay and rosemary and bright touches of lemon balancing out perfectly. It’s just crying out to become a martini with an olive garnish of course.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 43.8%
Find here: £36.45

Manly Spirits Co. Australian Dry Gin

Manly aims to produce bottles that capture the beautiful Sydney beaches around their distillery, using local land and marine botanicals like sea lettuce, pepper leaf, finger lime and orange peel. The beach lifestyle might be carefree, but decades of expertise go into this expression. With the ocean being sensed at the beginning of every sip, it’s another gin that has a savoury and ever so slightly salty element to it. However, with refreshingly light citrus playing off it it’s somewhat unusual with a sweeter finish that goes down a treat. Perfect for a layered G&T with ice and a slice of fresh lemon or orange.  

Size: 700ml
ABV: 43%
Find here: £38.44

Ink Gin

Hailing from Tumbulgum (great name), Ink Gin uses botanicals that are local to the area to create a fresh and citrussy aroma with some elderflower immediately noticeable. The palate has a lovely peppery spice, with light orange notes before a long crisp finish that leaves you wanting more. Husk Plantation Distillery are the brains behind this creation, and it has an ace up its sleeve– it’s a colour changer! Infused with butterfly pea flower petals, it’s pH sensitive and turns pink when mixed with tonic or citrus juices. Mind you, the original colour is so nice you might not want to change it! It’s an incredible gin option for celebrating with that party trick up it’s sleeve, but the taste alone is worth the price tag.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 43%
Find here: £38.99

WHISKY

Starward Tawny Whisky

This is a luxury wine-finished New World Whisky from progressive Australian producers Starward. A limited-edition release, Tawny is a single malt that’s matured in fortified wine casks to give sublime flavour. It’s created in the image of an after dinner treat, so it leans towards the sweeter end of whisky, with notes of banana bread, raisins, dried fruit peel and peanut butter on the nose. The palate brings Christmas flavours to the fore. Think spiced plums, citrus, and malt and grape sweetness. This sweetness leans into the finish too, undercut by a warming spiciness that rounds everything off perfectly. This is a dram that is full of flavour throughout, and every sip feels like a treat. Nom!

Size: 500ml
ABV: 48%
Find here: £84.90

RUM

Bundaberg Rum

From the off, we should say that Queensland’s finest isn’t technically a rum. To earn that classification, rums have to be a minimum of 37.5% ABV, so Bundaberg is a whisker away. But what’s 0.5% between friends? It’s sweetness that accounts for the lower percentage here, with Demerara, molasses and underlying spices filling the nose.  The flavour is extremely distinctive, with quite a dry feel and sugary spice right through to the finish. It comes into its own mixed with cola but feel free to give it a go neat first – it divides opinion!

Size: 700ml
ABV: 37%
Find here: £34.50

VERMOUTH

Regal Rogue Wild Rosé Vermouth

Regal Rogue tend to really let their wines off the leash in their vermouth range, and Wild Rosé is no different. It’s bold, fruit forwards with native Ozzy illawara plums, strawberry and rosella creating a red fruit bonanza that feels natural. It’s super versatile too, working simply with tonic, or to give a fruity lift to spritzers and cocktails!

Size: 500ml
ABV: 16.5%
Find here: £16.74

LIQUEUR

Brookie’s Mac

Byron Bay brings us not only surfing, scuba diving and Bounty advert beaches, but Cape Byron Distillery who have pulled together this industry-acclaimed macadamia liqueur. The nuts are locally sourced (no really, they’re in the distillery’s garden) and mixed with Australian wattleseed to create a velvet-smooth rich nutty liqueur. Behind that, there are hints of roasted coffee and sweet butterscotch that make this an absolute winner. We’d recommend sipping it over ice, but it could also be used in cocktails like Espresso Martini, or even in desserts. Stunning bottle too.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 23%
Find here: £34.99

NON-ALCOHOLIC

Brunswick Aces Spades Sapiir

Crafted in the London Dry style, this is a top-notch No-Lo option from Brunswick Aces in Melbourne. Just like above, wattleseed brings a nutty, wheaty character, joined by botanicals like lemon myrtle, Tasmanian pepper berry and of course, juniper. It’s not flat and flavourless like some 0% gins, instead, it’s zesty with wafts of lemon and juniper, underpinned with herbaceous garden notes, aromatic cardamon and subtle nutty flavours.  It can bring a savoury base to a mocktail or tonic, but it’s definitely bold enough to cut through stronger mixers like cranberry or ginger ale too! Love it.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 0%
Find here: £27.49

But wait a minute… this is Australia’s finest offerings and there’s not a single wine!? Well, we’ve dedicated an entire article to that so hold off on the petitions and check that out here.