Call it a red-letter day or Christmas arriving early — New Delhi recently welcomed a dazzling Penfolds showcase at the elegant Captain’s Cellar at the Taj Mahal hotel, following successful outings in Mumbai and Bengaluru. Brand Ambassador Josh Yim took centre stage, guiding guests through six acclaimed wines — including icons from the coveted Bin Series — each pour paired with captivating stories that underscored Penfolds’ reputation as a global powerhouse in Australian fine wine.
A Rich Legacy of Australian Excellence
Founded in 1844, Penfolds began with fortified wines, evolving into a brand now regarded among the world’s most influential. Today, Penfolds enjoys a loyal, global following — including an energised India, thanks to its renewed and strengthened presence here.
Penfolds is owned by Treasury Wine Estates (TWE), a publicly listed Australian company that assumed full control of the brand after its 2011 demerger from Foster’s Group.
Today, Penfolds remains the flagship label in Treasury Wine Estates’ global portfolio, anchoring the company’s identity as a leading purveyor of premium wines.
Read about the history and insights into Penfolds’ journey into India, on my earlier blog post
The wines we tasted in the 2025 year-end soirée
Prices indicated are ex Delhi
Koonunga Hill Chardonnay 2023 & Cabernet Sauvignon 2022— An Elegant Prelude
Chardonnay- ₹ 2000, Cabernet Sauvignon- ₹ 2400
Before diving into the heavyweight Bins, the evening opened with the approachable Koonunga Hill pair — wines that reflect Penfolds’ belief that quality and accessibility can coexist effortlessly.
Varietals & USP:
- The Chardonnay brought stone fruit freshness, citrus lift, and a touch of subtle oak creaminess — bright and friendly.
- The Cabernet Sauvignon followed with blackcurrant, cassis, and hints of cedar, framed by supple tannins.
A polished start — and a reminder that the Penfolds signature shines even at its most everyday tier.
About Penfolds Bin Series
Penfolds’ Bin Series began as simple cellar codes marking where promising batches of wine were stored, but the numbers evolved into labels for distinct wine styles. Each Bin now signals a consistent profile, usually linked to a grape variety and sometimes a region, helping drinkers know what to expect. The range reflects the Penfolds house style: carefully blended wines that balance power, depth, and reliability from vintage to vintage.
Bin 2 — Shiraz Mataro 2022
₹ 5,500
A smart Australian interpretation of a Rhône blend, Bin 2 combines Shiraz and Mataro sourced across South Australia.
Varietals & USP:
Expect earthy savouriness, spice undertones, and a rounded, generous palate. Matured in seasoned French and American oak, the wine retains purity and texture.
⭐ Perfect pairing from the evening: bacon tart from the Captain’s Cellar grazing spread — a delicious match of flavour and balance.
Bin 128 — Coonawarra Shiraz 2022
₹ 7,500
A single-region Shiraz that beautifully embodies Coonawarra’s terra rossa soil and cool-climate elegance.
Varietals & USP:
This wine, matured in French oak, shows red fruits, cracked black pepper, graphite, and a refined mineral finish.
Josh’s great memory tip:
Bin 28 = multi-region | Bin 128 = single-region — the “1” prefix signifies “single region”.
Bin 389 — Cabernet Shiraz (“Baby Grange”) 2022
₹ 11,800
The iconic marriage of Cabernet structure and Shiraz richness — matured in American oak, including barrels previously used for Grange.
Varietals & USP:
A wine of depth, balance, spice, and early drinkability. The Cabernet brings backbone, the Shiraz brings plushness — both living in brilliant harmony.
A favourite among wine lovers stepping closer to the Grange universe.
Bin 407 — Cabernet Sauvignon 2022
₹ 12,500
A multi-regional Cabernet that champions varietal purity and architectural tannin structure.
Varietals & USP:
With cassis, black cherry, bay leaf notes, and fine-grained tannins, this wine is matured in a mix of French and American oak — adding depth and ageing potential.
A benchmark Cabernet — polished, confident, and cellar-worthy.
A Toast to What’s Next
As the evening drew to a close, it became clear that Penfolds continues to raise the bar in the promising Indian market, especially in the context of the India Australia Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (ECTA) where export of wine from Australia to India is to be progressively reduced over a 10-year horizon. With growing availability across select retail and hospitality destinations, these wines are no longer fleeting rarities, but a staple in India’s fine-wine narrative.
