This is a unique project which celebrates the winemakers and artisans of South Australia through the creation of an exquisite ‘object d’art’. The ampoule, designed and hand -crafted by glassblower Ray Leake, contains 750 ml of a fine vintage wine, a 2004 Kalimna Block Cabernet Sauvignon.
Designers and craftsmen who also contributed to the project are glass artist, Nick Mount, who created the external container for the ampoule, adorned with precious metals designed by Hendrik Forster. The entire piece is suspended within a bespoke Jarrah cabinet by carpenter, Andrew Bartlett.
This limited edition work of art has been priced at $168,000 per item. Twelve have been produced, one for the Penfolds archives, one to be auctioned for charity, and 10 for sale, two in North America, two in Europe, three in Asia and three in Australia and New Zealand.
The purchaser will also receive a ‘Making of’ booklet with a Certificate of Ownership, signed by the winemakers and artisans. If and when the ampoule is to be opened and the wine drunk, Penfolds will send an expert winemaker to wherever the owner desires in order to open the ampoule with a specially designed tungsten tipped, silver tool.
