Prepare to bid farewell to the Year of the Rat and say hello to the Year of the Ox, which symbolises the virtue of hard work and endurance, and the fulfilment of dreams. If you’re keen to raise a glass today to mark the occasion then check out our round-up of limited edition Chinese New Year wine and spirits releases.

Penfolds RWT Bin 798 Barossa Valley Shiraz 2018 Gift Box

“Baby Grange” Bin 389 has been hailed as the most auspicious wine due to its lucky Bin number according to Chinese tradition: 3 symbolises “birth”, 8 for “fortune” and 9 for “longevity”. Moreover, the Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz blend is always sought-after by Chinese drinkers as the fruitiness and richness of the wine is perfect for pairing with Chinese cuisine.

Released in magnum with special packaging for the Year of Ox, the release in 2020 commemorates the 60th anniversary since Bin 389 was first made in 1960 by legendary winemaker Max Schubert.

Billecart Salmon Brut Rosé – Chinese New Year limited edition

To celebrate 2021 Chinese New Year, Champagne Billecart-Salmon invited Gongbi artist Ke Lin to create an exclusive Limited Edition design for its Brut Rosé, the iconic cuvée of the house, with a Chinese Gongbi ‘工笔’ painting RUI NUI WANG CHUN ‘瑞牛旺春’ (meaning auspicious ox in prosperous springtime in Chinese).

The artist Lin said, “I created a poetic impression to reveal that the colour of Brut Rosé is created by heart. Every detail in the painting represents the wise and natural beauty in Chinese culture, which embodies the essence of Billecart-Salmon’s pursuit of excellence and perfection.”

Yao Ming Lunar New Year Ox Red Wine 2018

Former Chinese NBA player Yao Ming founded Yao Family Wines, his winery in Napa Valley, in 2011. The Year of the Ox represents the winery’s fourth annual Limited Edition Lunar New Year wine.

The Yao Family Wines 2018 Family Table Red Wine is 100% Napa Valley and a blend of Petit Verdot, Zinfandel and Syrah. The blend leans towards the south end of the Napa Valley emphasising dark garnet colour and bright red to purple fruit.

Flora Springs Year of The Ox Cabernet Sauvignon Magnum 2017

Napa Valley winery Flora Springs presents a festive exclusive Cabernet Sauvignon Magnum.

This dense and full-bodied red blend from 2017 shows “ripe blueberry, blackcurrant and fresh plum flavours layered with appealing notes of toasty oak, espresso, cola and vanilla”.

Only 66 bottles were produced, with a limit of six bottles per person.

Chateau Tanunda limited release Shiraz 2018

Barossa winery Chateau Tanunda released a special Shiraz 2018 vintage magnum to celebrate the new year. The classic Barossa Shiraz shows the classic profile of dark plum, blackberry, exotic spice and toasty flavours of the region.

Martell gifting collection

In light of the new year, Martell renews the packaging of Martell Blue Swift, Martell Noblige and Martell Cordon Bleu and collaborates with three international creative talents, namely American rapper Quavo, Chinese fashion designer Angel Chen and French artist Pierre Marie, to reinterpret three signature products of the house.

All three designs share a common theme: that of travel, with the international dimension of the house and the founding voyage of Jean Martell proving a source of inspiration.

Glenfiddich 18 Year Old

Glenfiddich has partnered with Shenzhen-based artist Rlon Wang to create a special limited-edition offering for this year.

The theme focuses on “return” – the reuniting at home with family and friends. This year’s artwork conveys the spirit of the famous oil painting The Monarch of the Glen and is at the centrepiece of an array of intricate depictions, from dancing lions to barrel-carrying balloons.

N.I.P “800M” limited edition gin

Hong Kong gin distillery N.I.P creates an auspicious gin with the inspiration of the festive tradition “Kwun Yum Treasury Opening”. “800M”, stands for 800 million, refers to the fortune “borrowed” from Kwun Yum’s vault so they can earn more and have better health in the year ahead.

In this limited edition gin, the distillery used eight different kinds of botanicals (including mandarin, tieguanyin tea, lily, lotus seeds, black dates, ginger, gold flakes and juniper berries) and topped up with gold leaves.

Limited to 888 bottles only, the special label represents the distillery’s wish for everyone to have a prosperous new year with all the good wealth, fortune and health.

Fok Hing Gin Five Blessings

Hong Kong gin brand Fok Hing Gin announces the release of a limited-edition Mandarin Orange gin dubbed the ‘Five Blessings’.

The mandarin orange is synonymous with Chinese New Year celebrations. Just 250 bottles will be available, each containing a London-style gin with mandarin orange and black pepper notes, with FOK HING GIN’s signature botanicals in the mix.

The five blessings of the gin includes luck, prosperity, longevity, happiness, and wealth. As co-founder of the brand, Paul Harper-Cox, said, “After a crappy year, we’re bringing liquid luck into a bottle.”