The Block 42-Cabernet Sauvignon 2004 is a limited edition wine from Australia’s Penfolds. It’s not kept in a bottle, but in an ampoule within a glass vestibule. It can be opened by breaking off its end, which can be done only by trained winemakers. Only twelve of these ampoules filled with Block-42 Cabernet were made, with 11 available for purchase, each retailing at $168,000. The remaining one was reserved for the Penfolds Museum in Australia.

Besides its unique engineering, what makes this wine stand out is its modern ambition. Unlike many expensive aged wines, this one is not an imperial bottle or fraught with major historical events. It has a strong scent of black cherries, orange liqueur, tangerines and a hint of cloves. The flavour-profile is filled with summer fruits, a dash of spice and a touch of fig. It is the most expensive wine to have been sold in retail.