Penfolds

Australian wine producer Penfolds has encased its 2004 Block 42 wine in Ampoules that feature glass plumb-bob casing.

The company has launched only 12 Ampoules, where each Ampoule is expected to be sold at a retail price of $168,000.

The 2004 Block 42 is a single vineyard wine that is produced from Cabernet Sauvignon vines.

Glass sculpture of the Ampoules was designed and hand-blown by Nick Mount of South Australia.

Australian designer-maker Hendrik Forster was the brainchild behind the metal detailing, while South Australian furniture craftsman Andrew Bartlett was involved in designing of bespoke Jarrah cabinet.

The scientific-grade Ampoule, designed to store the wine in an ideal environment, was created by scientific glassblower Ray Leake.

With no cork or screwcap to open, the Ampoules can only be opened using specially designed tungsten-tipped sterling silver scribe-snap.

Penfolds chief winemaker Peter Gago said behind every Penfolds wine is the joy, energy, research and science that shapes it.

"The Ampoule Project is typical of the pioneering philosophy behind Penfolds’ winemaking evolution," Gago added.

"The collaboration with South Australia’s finest artists has been a fitting tribute for one of South Australia’s finest wines."

The global launch of 2004 Block 42 Limited Edition Ampoules will take place in Moscow, Russia.

Image: With a price tag of $168,000, Penfolds 2004 Block 42 Ampoule is expected to be the most expensive wine sold directly from a winery in the world. Photo: Penfolds Wines