Penfolds Re-Corking Clinic Extends Legacy of Exceptionally Rare Bottles in Hong Kong

Penfolds’ internationally renowned Re-Corking Clinic returned to Hong Kong for its third edition at the Sky Lounge, The Upper House last weekend (22-23 August). Over the two days, more than 200 back vintage wines were registered, including exceptionally rare bottles like the 1965 Grange, Block 42 Kalimna Cabernet Sauvignon and Bin 920 Cabernet Shiraz.

The serviced Hong Kong collection included the 1965 Grange, a museum-worthy vintage from the early years of Penfolds’ flagship label. Its presence underscores the longevity and reverence of Grange amongst collectors. Block 42 Kalimna Cabernet Sauvignon comes from some of the oldest Cabernet vines in the world and is highly sought-after. Other noteworthy wines include:

• 1990 Grange, Wine Spectator’s Red Wine of the Year (1995)

• 1971 Grange, which topped the Gault-Millau Wine Olympics in Paris (1979), beating top Rhône wines

• 1990 Bin 920 Cabernet Shiraz, a rare release only produced in exceptional vintages and aged longer before release

The rarity and breadth of wines seen at the clinic speak to Hong Kong’s status as one of the most sophisticated wine markets in Asia. Hosted by Penfolds Chief Winemaker Peter Gago and Winemaker Shavaughn Wells, the Re-Corking Clinic granted personalised one-on-one consultations with the custodians of Australia’s most iconic wine in a complimentary gesture of appreciation for wine collectors. This exclusive and highly sought-after service was completely booked, allowing wine lovers to taste the rewards of their patience in Penfolds red wines aged 15 years and older.

The art of re-corking provided the ultimate ‘health check’ for collectors’ precious bottles to extend the legacy of their most-prized Penfolds bottles. Each qualifying registered bottle was carefully and professionally serviced, technically assessed, certified for authenticity and condition, with some opened, topped up with current vintages, and re-capsuled for continued cellaring. Exemplifying Penfolds’ commitment to exceptional wine aftercare, Penfolds has assessed more than 200,000 bottles across four continents since the first Re-Corking Clinic in 1991.