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10 November 2022

PENFOLDS II – THE INAUGURAL FRANCO-AUSTRALIAN ‘WINE OF THE WORLD’

Iconic wines
VALENTIN JESTIN FREDERIC BONNAFFOUS PETER GAGO

Dourthe and Penfolds are shaking up the fine wine category with the launch of Penfolds II, the very first Franco-Australian ‘Wine of the World’.

Have you ever dreamed of a unique wine? A wine bound only by the limits of your imagination?

PENFOLDS VINEYARD

Lab Dourthe had a dream too, albeit in English with a decidedly Gallic accent. Our dreams were peppered with spice from far-flung lands, of the intoxicating scent of gum trees, and of a bridge so vast and far-reaching it was able to unite two hemispheres. Meanwhile, Penfolds too was doing its fair share of dreaming…

 

PETER GAGO

It all started with Peter Gago attending a tasting showcasing Essence de Dourthe at Vinexpo Bordeaux in 2013. And a subsequent journey strewn with red tape and endless zoom tastings. But from this crazy seed of an idea, the magic began. A number of our most distinguished Cabernets finally left Bordeaux en route to Melbourne, where they mingled with the finest Australian Syrah in a unique blend: 71% French, 29% Australian.

 

FREDERIC BONNAFFOUS VALENTIN JESTIN
Penfolds II

 

The resulting wine is a true voyage of the senses of remarkable complexity allying spice and dark fruits: and Penfolds II was born. ‘II’ representing two hemispheres, two grape varieties and two dedicated wine houses coming together in this unique project.  A team committed to one of 2022’s most exciting projects in the world of wine: the very first Franco-Australian Wine of the World

Pushing the boundaries and creating a blend of this nature was a concept as unexpected as it was fascinating. Working together and forging such solid friendships with the winemaking team at Penfolds, to blend such an exceptional wine, was a dream come true.

Patrick Jestin