Not the usual suspects: Six Penfolds Collection wines that deliver value

The new Penfolds Grange release - to which I gave 99 points - is priced at $1000 a bottle, which makes it very much a treat for collectors and the wealthy. 

Fortunately for regular wine lovers there are several wines in the new Penfolds Collection - released on Thursday - that ordinary mortals can afford. 

I tasted the range with chief winemaker Peter Gago and fellow Australian wine writers in Melbourne a few weeks back, so here are some of my best buys, and a couple worth splashing out on: 

Penfolds 2020 Bin 28 Shiraz: A multi-region, multi-vineyard offering utilising fruit from McLaren Vale, Barossa, Padthaway and the Clare that highlights the strength of the Penfolds blending team. Warm and welcoming; like catching up with an old friend. Dark and spicy - a classic winter warmer. $50.

Penfolds 2021 Bin 23 Pinot Noir: This has, for me, traditionally been one of the weakest links in the Penfolds' range but this 100% Tasmanian wine gets it it absolutely spot on. Classic cool-climate aromas and flavours deliver a very vaarietal wine that combines vibrancy and elegance. $50.

Penfolds 2020 RWT Bin 798: Serious complexity, intensity and flavour here. This is dark and very alive with some soft swagger and style to add to its serious structural elements. A day at the races. Top hat and tail please! $200 - and worth a splurge. 

Penfolds 2019 Bin 169 Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon: A delightfully varietal young red sourced from prime Coonawarra vineyards, this has immediate upfront appeal with summer pudding flavours to the fore. A brilliant, focused wine that will certainly cellar well and is worth a wager. $300.

Penfolds 2019 St Henri Shiraz: Darn close to perfect and for my money the best-value wine in the range. As usual, very much in the groove for those looking for a youthful but serious red wine choice. Glorious forward fruit flavours with oak playing a minor support role. Charming and approachable. $135. 

Penfolds 2020 Bin 150 Marananga Shiraz: Classic Barossa that shines in its youth. Warm and inviting and very plush on the palate. Plummy and spicy with Asian nuances. Complexity and minerality add to an attractive package. Pair with Chinese roast duck. $100.