Annually, we highlight Lunar New Year special-edition bottles from the finest brands in town. Last year, much was ballyhooed about the Year of the Dragon and the designer bottles that dropped; before that, the Year of the Rabbit saw a very special bottle, and Ruinart released a gorgeous artistic drop the year before that. Well, this Lunar New Year, artists and artisans have gone all out once again, collaborating with those who quench our thirst.
As the Lunar New Year approaches, the anticipation for exquisite offerings moves from slow sizzle to the full rage of red. Fine grapes are working overtime to deliver. It is the Year of the Wood Snake, after all, so tapping on those wooden casks and crates, we have found just the right timbre with Penfolds, Hennessy, and Rémy Martin.
Penfolds
Australian winery Penfolds uncoiled its 2025 Lunar New Year gifting range from the vast stable, celebrating the Year of the Snake. Its limited-edition collection epitomises sophistication and cultural significance, appealing to connoisseurs and collectors alike.
A symbol of elegance and transformation, the snake serves as the muse for this remarkable series. Each gift box is a visual delight, adorned with a unique gold-embellished design that features the snake gracefully traversing the surface in various angles—an artistic representation of its agility and allure. Such thoughtful design is not merely for aesthetics; it pays homage to the zodiac, enhancing the experience of gifting during this auspicious season.
Among the highlights of this collection are the flagship wines, including the revered Bin 707 Cabernet Sauvignon 2022 and the celebrated Bin 389 Cabernet Shiraz 2022. Bin 707, a quintessential representation of Penfolds’s house style, is crafted from intensely flavoured fruit, matured in new oak to achieve a harmonious balance. First vintaged in 1964, this full-bodied Cabernet has garnered a reputation that places it firmly among Australia’s finest. Its limited availability adds to its allure, making it a coveted addition to any wine cellar.
Similarly, the Bin 389, often affectionately dubbed “Baby Grange,” showcases the best of both worlds by marrying the structure of Cabernet Sauvignon with the richness of Shiraz. Its roots trace back to 1960 when the legendary Max Schubert first crafted this wine, which has since become a benchmark for red wines. Presented in both 750 ml and magnum formats, the 2022 release is perfect for sharing during festive gatherings.
Another gem in the series is the RWT Bin 798 Barossa Valley Shiraz 2022, which redefines what Barossa Valley Shiraz can achieve at the highest quality level. Born from a project that began in the early 1990s, RWT, standing for “Red Winemaking Trial,” has evolved into a contemporary and opulent expression. With its aromatic qualities and plush texture, this wine promises a delightful experience, whether enjoyed upon release or savoured over the years.
Hennessy
In celebration of Lunar New Year, Hennessy has unveiled a stunning limited-edition collection for 2025, honouring the Year of the Snake. A unique collaboration with Chinese fashion designer Qiu Shuting, this launch seamlessly marries tradition with innovation, encapsulating the essence of renewal and transformation that the snake symbolises. Titled “Reimagination,” the collection features striking, abstract representations of snakes that gracefully adorn the carafes of Hennessy’s iconic VSOP, XO, and Paradis Cognacs.
Drawing inspiration from her cultural heritage in Hangzhou, Qiu integrates vibrant colours and intricate patterns reminiscent of ancient Chinese brocade, expertly reflecting the texture of the snake’s scales. Hennessy’s Paradis edition emerges as a luxurious masterpiece, featuring a sculptural snake motif that embodies elegance and prosperity. Each bottle is exquisitely presented in a recyclable gift box, making it an ideal choice for festive gifting or as a centrepiece for New Year celebrations.
Rémy Martin
Rémy Martin has collaborated with renowned Chinese artist Huang Yuxing to create a series of exquisite gift boxes for its Rémy Martin XO and Rémy Martin 1738 Accord Royal. Celebrated for his imaginative interpretations, Huang’s artwork, “Majestic Serpentine,” has just the right amount of regalia, and the bottle masterfully blends the new zodiac sign with the distinctive terroir of Cognac’s Grande and Petite Champagne.
Vibrant designs on the XO casing and carafe feature striking serpents and mountains, diverging from the traditional Lunar New Year palette of red and gold—simply the most auspicious of colours. The 1738 Accord Royal canister showcases Huang’s colourful motifs, perfectly complementing the long-barrel toasted Cognac. The full-bodied warmth that this smooth elixir provides is exactly what you need this winter.
All images courtesy of their respective brands.
