While this doesn’t come near its predecessor, the 1998 (one of the greatest vintages of all time), it is, nevertheless, a Penfolds Grange in all its majestic glory. This didn’t become Australia’s Icon Wine for no reason.
This is 100% Shiraz, which possesses beautiful, elegant structure with impeccable balance and immense depth and complexity.
We were catching up with old wine friends we haven’t seen in a year or more, and decided to celebrate with something special.
Grapes were sourced from their prized Kalimna Vineyard (known for having some of the oldest shiraz vines in the world) in the Barossa Valley, Magill Estate (Adelaide), McLaren Vale, and Padthaway.
The aromas are bewitching, drawing you in with layers of blackberries, blueberries, licorice, and figs, and a promise of so much more.
When this was released, I heard someone say, ‘Don’t be surprised if this sleeping beauty doesn’t catch the 1998 vintage, with 20 or more years aging, allowing to come together’. This is now 26 years old, and it’s closer to 1998 but not there yet. Will it get there? Who knows? Only time will tell. The estimated drinking window is 2065- so we have another 30 years to find out.
The palate showcases seamless layers of blackberries, black currants, dark plums, coffee, dark chocolate, mulberries, vanilla, oak, figs, and spices. All of this is framed in fine-grain tannins and delicate acidity, with a delightful hint of sweetness in the mid-palate. Despite having bold, broad shoulders, this feels light on its feet- a path it walks very successfully.
This ticks all the boxes and is an absolute pleasure to drink.
Whatever you pair this with, make sure it’s worthy.
Vine to Table 