We use cookies to help personalize content, tailor and measure ads and provide a better browsing experience. Read our Cookie Policy to learn more or go to Cookie Preferences page to manage your settings. We have recently updated our Privacy Policy.To review the latest version please click here.
In 2022, Penfolds first partnered with Dourthe, one of the most respected players in the world of Bordeaux. This reigned our love affair with the region, a special place for Penfolds, where our first chief winemaker Max Schubert was inspired to create Grange.
Combining the creativity, direction and vision of Penfolds Chief Winemaker Peter Gago and Dourthe Chief Winemaker Frédéric Bonnaffous, the two houses have collaborated to craft wines that span Northern and Southern Hemispheres.
Penfolds II
Blurring the notions of old and new world, the first release from the 2019 vintage, blended French cabernet sauvignon with South Australian shiraz. The second release in 2023, was a multi-vintage blend of 2020 vintage merlot from the soils of Bordeaux with 2021 vintage cabernet sauvignon from distant vineyards in South Australia.
The name “Penfolds II” represents two winemakers coming together. The final wine was blended and bottled in South Australia by Penfolds winemakers.
About Dourthe
Crafting Bordeaux wines since 1840 Dourthe are one of the best and most successful wine producers in Bordeaux. They own a number of leading chateaux throughout Bordeaux including the Bordeaux Superieur, Chateau Pey La Tour, Classed Growth Ch. Belgrave, and La Garde in Pessac-Léognan.
Dourthe has been passionate about the vineyards of Bordeaux since 1840; Passionate about a type of viticulture in tune with the soil and microclimate, about winemaking that harnesses the typical character of each terroir and each one of the region’s iconic grape varieties, and ever committed to a creative, honest and daring blending philosophy.
This is the start of our French winemaking journey. Our main objective? To remain true to the winemaking ethos of both wineries, to deliver the best blend possible, to ideally make Bordeaux and South Australia proud.
PETER GAGO
PENFOLDS CHIEF WINEMAKER
To push the boundaries and craft such a blend was an unexpected and utterly fascinating concept. Collaborating and cultivating firm friendships with the Penfolds winemaking team in blending such an exceptional wine was a dream come true.