Penfolds Wine Dinner

Penfolds has been at the forefront of Australian winemaking for almost two centuries, consistently setting the benchmark for quality and style. The winery’s journey to global acclaim began with Dr. Christopher Rawson Penfold and evolved with the visionary contributions of Max Schubert, the creator of the iconic Grange.

Schubert’s pioneering techniques, including his multi-regional blending philosophy, continue to shape Penfolds’ reputation for crafting wines of exceptional complexity and ageability.

Today, under the stewardship of Peter Gago, Penfolds’ Chief Winemaker (only the fourth since 1844), the winery remains a global leader in innovation and excellence.

About Casa Cruz

Occupying an historic six-story Beaux-Arts townhouse on Manhattan’s Upper East Side (36 E. 61st St.), Casa Cruz New York (with a second location in London) is an exquisitely-designed private club and restaurant.

Cuisine designed by Michelin-starred Chef John Fraser is met with posh interiors featuring Brazilian cherry wood paneling, copper finishes, and original artworks by household names like Keith Haring, Andy Warhol, and Louise Giovanelli, creating a glamorous dining experience like no other in Manhattan.

We will dine privately in the fanciful Palm Room.

Event Highlights

We will enjoy not just wines produced by Penfolds in Australia, but we will start with their wine produced in France. Below is our line-up:

• Cuvée NV Brut Champagne: A newly-released champagne that marks Penfolds’ exciting venture into French winemaking, in collaboration with Champagne Thiénot. This champagne, first released in September 2024, is not available to the trade.
• 2018 Bin 51 Dry Riesling alongside 2024 Bin 51 Dry Riesling: These wines exemplify the finesse of Eden Valley’s high-altitude, cool-climate vineyards. Danielle will present two vintages side-by-side to highlight their exceptional aging potential.
• 2018 St Henri (Shiraz): A multi-regional South Australian blend, primarily based on Shiraz. This vintage is rated 97 points by Wine Advocate and is one of the best St Henri’s produced in the last 15 years.
• 2017 Cellar Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon: A rare and exclusive wine crafted with experimental techniques, offering a unique expression of Penfolds’ innovation. This wine is not available to the trade.
• 2005 Bin 389 “Baby Grange”: A Cabernet Sauvignon-Shiraz blend (52%/48%), often called “Baby Grange” due to its maturation in Grange barrels. This 20-year-old vintage showcases structure and richness with time.
• 2018 Grange Shiraz: Penfolds’ flagship wine and one of its most celebrated vintages. This wine received five perfect scores from leading wine critics, 99 points from Wine Advocate, and 98 points from Wine Spectator.
• 20-Year Grandfather Tawny Port: A phenomenal fortified wine aged in a fractional blending system, delivering layers of nutty, spiced caramel flavors and a silky finish.

MENU

Reception

Penfolds Cuvée NV Brut Champagne

Ensalada y Platos Chicos

• Grill-kissed Caesar salad, parmigiano, little gems
• Scallop ceviche, mandarin orange
• Crispy Portuguese octopus, fingerling purée

Wine Pairing:
2018 Penfolds Bin 51 Dry Riesling and 2024 Penfolds Bin 51 Dry Riesling

Pasta

Short Rib Agnolotti del Plin – butternut pumpkin, crispy sage

Wine Pairing:
2017 Penfolds Cellar Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon and 2018 Penfolds St Henri

Intermezzo

2005 Penfolds Bin 389 (“The Baby Grange”)

Carnes and Vegetales

• Filet Mignon – Madeira sauce
• Lamb Chops – Thumbelina carrots
• Confit King Trumpet Mushrooms
• Potato Purée

Wine Pairing:
2018 Penfolds Grange

Los Postres

• Cheesecake
• Poached Pear Tiramisu

Wine Pairing:
Penfolds 20-Year Grandfather Tawny Port

📌 Note: Menu items are subject to slight variations based on product availability.

Event Logistics

Date: Wednesday, February 26, 2025
Time: Reception 6:30 PM | Dinner 7:00 PM
Location: Casa Cruz, 36 East 61st St., New York, NY 10065
Dress Code: Business casual with name tag

Contribution:

• Members: $345
• Guests: $395
• (4% surcharge applies if paying by credit card – Zelle or check preferred)

Space is limited. Reservations for this event can be made online at www.wfsny.org or by contacting Rose at ro**@***ny.org or 908-719-0550.

In wine, food and friendship,

Jack A. Gordon
President