A wine to savour, a design to remember
- Blending heritage and innovation, Penfolds 65F by NIGO transforms a storied past into a collectible masterpiece, where fine wine meets artistic vision
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The best wines are those that weave themselves into moments – shared among friends, uncorked in celebration, gifted as symbols of taste and thoughtfulness. But some bottles transcend mere function, becoming objects of desire, their presence lingering long after the last drop has been savoured. The latest collab between Australia’s legendary winemaker Penfolds and Japanese creative luminary NIGO achieves precisely this.
With Penfolds 65F by NIGO, artistry meets oenology in a limited-edition release that reinterprets the winery’s storied iconography through the lens of a design visionary. This is not merely a bottle of wine; it is a cultural artefact, a collector’s piece and a nod to the enduring power of craftsmanship – both in winemaking and in the visual language of luxury.
A tale of two traditions
For over 180 years, Penfolds has shaped Australia’s viticultural landscape, producing wines that have garnered a global following. But great brands are not content to simply rest on their legacy; they thrive by actively engaging with contemporary culture, all while proudly upholding the integrity of their heritage.
.jpg "NIGO at Penfolds Magill Estate, where the historic red and white chimney inspired his design for Penfolds 65F by NIGO.")
.jpg "The chalkboard wine tag and pencil included with Penfolds 65F by NIGO pay homage to the handwritten cellar records once used at Magill Estate.")
A chimney smoke-inspired wine stopper – quintessentially playful, unmistakably NIGO. “It feels special to honour the first time I visited Penfolds Magill Estate with the design of 65F by NIGO,” says the Japanese designer. “The chimney has remained vivid in my memory as such a unique piece of Penfolds’ history. Accessing and drawing from Penfolds’ archival iconography for this project was an incomparable experience.”
The wine itself
For all its aesthetic finesse, Penfolds 65F by NIGO is, at its core, a celebration of winemaking. The 2021 vintage Cabernet Sauvignon Shiraz is a masterclass in multi-regional blending, bringing together fruit from prized South Australian vineyards.
Matured in 100 per cent French oak barriques, the wine reflects Penfolds’ unwavering commitment to balance, structure and longevity. This is a bottle meant to be savoured over time, truly a collectible in both form and flavour.
The finale of a creative partnership
Penfolds’ collab with NIGO first took shape in June 2023, with the debut of One by Penfolds, a vibrant introduction to the brand’s new cultural engagement. This was followed by Grange by NIGO (the first artistic reinterpretation of Penfolds’ flagship red wine) in February 2024, and Holiday Designed by NIGO in October 2024.
Now, with Penfolds 65F by NIGO, the journey comes full circle – a creative dialogue between old-world tradition and new-world imagination, culminating in a bottle that is as much a conversation piece as it is a fine wine.
.jpg "The Penfolds 65F by NIGO bottle and its cylindrical gift tin, inspired by the 65-foot chimney at Magill Estate. A seamless fusion of fine winemaking and contemporary design.")
At the end of the day, what makes a bottle of wine truly exceptional? Is it the terroir, the wine-making philosophy, or the design that houses it? Penfolds 65F by NIGO suggests that it is all of these and more – the fusion of legacy, craftsmanship and contemporary artistry.
.jpg "The chimney-inspired wine stopper of Penfolds 65F by NIGO playfully reimagines tradition, making every bottle a statement piece.")