Australian winemaker Penfolds has collaborated with Saint-Louis on a project that celebrates the winery’s latest release: a limited edition series of its 2012 Grange. Launched this month, the vintage arrives in an impressive bottle (a hefty six litres, as its Imperial badge would suggest) and is accompanied by a specially designed crystal decanter.
The 'Aevum' vessel was devised by the heritage winemaker in tandem with New York-based design studio and long time Penfolds collaborator Force Majeure, which brought its unique expertise in product development, packaging and brand identity to the serving ceremony of the Grange vintage.
‘This collaboration acknowledges the first commercial release of a Grange Imperial bottle and the 2012 Grange, which is a vinous mosaic of charm, allure and character,’ says Peter Gago, Penfolds’ chief winemaker. ‘We wanted something special, something that would enhance and celebrate the service ritual.’
Early sketches of ’Aevum’ by design studio Force Majeure
Crafted in fine crystal and supported by a metal structure fashioned by pewtersmiths L’Orfevrerie D’Anjou, the blown crystal decanter offers a perfectly balanced pouring experience. Its structure gives a utilitarian element to the precious vessel – a pure and precise exercise in craftmanship.
‘The majestic service ritual and sense of occasion are part of the enjoyment of wine and the fabric of Penfolds,’ continues Gago. ‘The 'Aevum' enhances these captivating characteristics in handcrafted crystal objects.’
The ’Aevum’ crystal decanter
As well as the 'Aevum', Penfolds has created a collection of smaller decanters – also produced by Saint-Louis – designed to rotate on their bases, aerating the wine.
‘The union of heritage and tradition, shown through this collaboration with Saint-Louis, has created two majestic objet d’arts,’ adds Gago. ‘They celebrate our Grange, which is a powerful expression of Penfolds’ multi-district blending philosophy, clearly demonstrating the synergy between Shiraz and the soils and climates of south Australia.’
A progress sketch of the ’Aevum’ decanter by New York brand identity and packaging specialist Force Majeure, another collaborator on the project
Aevum’s launch was celebrated in Adelaide last week. Penfolds has created a collection of smaller decanters (pictured in foreground), also produced by Saint-Louis
INFORMATION
Penfolds limited-edition 'Aevum Service Ritual', $185,000. For more information, visit the Penfolds website
-
A celestial New York exhibition showcases Roman and Williams’ mastery of lightingLauded design studio Roman and Williams is exhibiting 100 variations of its lighting ‘family tree’ inside a historic Tribeca space
-
‘He immortalised the birth of the supermodel’: inside Dior’s career-spanning retrospective of photographer Peter LindberghOlivier Flaviano, curator and head of Paris’ La Galerie Dior, talks us through a new Peter Lindbergh retrospective, which celebrates the seminal German photographer’s longtime relationship with the French house
-
Take a bite: Laila Gohar and The Luxury Collection’s ‘Cakes & Candles’ are a sweet treat for the sensesLaila Gohar’s six cake-inspired candles draw on The Luxury Collection’s hotels around the world – where guests can enjoy matching edible confections
-
Toklas’ own-label wine is a synergy of art, taste and ‘elevated simplicity’Toklas, a London restaurant and bakery, have added another string to its bow ( and menu) with a trio of cuvées with limited-edition designs
-
Château Galoupet is teaching the world how to drink more responsiblyFrom reviving an endangered Provençal ecosystem to revisiting wine packaging, Château Galoupet aims to transform winemaking from terroir to bottle
-
London’s most refreshing summer cocktail destinationsCool down in the sweltering city with a visit to London’s summer cocktail destinations
-
Learn how to curate a simple cheese board with perfect port pairingsThe experts at artisan cheesemonger Paxton & Whitfield share tips for curating a simple but sophisticated cheese board, with port and cheese pairings for every taste
-
IWA sake brewery by Kengo Kuma is Best Roofscape: Wallpaper* Design Awards 2022IWA sake brewery in Japan, by Kengo Kuma & Associates, scoops Best Roofscape at the Wallpaper* Design Awards 2022
-
The Chuan Malt Whisky Distillery by Neri & Hu offers a twist on Chinese traditionNeri & Hu designs headquarters for The Chuan Malt Whisky Distillery in China's Sichuan province
-
St Pancras Renaissance Hotel opens Booking Office 1869 restaurantBooking Office 1869 restaurant, at the St Pancras Renaissance Hotel, is set to become a new London hotspot. Developer Harry Handelsman and designer Hugo Toro tell us about its creation
-
Sweet Sauternes: France’s forgotten wine gets a reputational makeoverSaskia de Rothschild is on a mission to revive the popularity of Sauternes white wine, with Rieussec, produced and packaged with a fresh, more sustainable approach
