O Produtor, tasting note published in March 14th 2023
COLOUR: Deep, dark and bright
NOSE: Benchmark. Automatically recognisable - formic and glacial higher notes – not quite as audacious as a fleeting perception of heady spirit (á la Cognac), and yet not just simple V.A. Beneath, a more familial oaked nuttiness (hazelnut?) recedes to reveal aromas of black licorice/anise/black olive. A shroud of condensed glazed fruits surrenders to reveal a fresher disposition … a coulis of berries and stone fruits; boiled beetroot. Unsurprisingly wafts of coffee-grind, pan-scrapings/jus also ascend, hovering over a persistent base of cold lamb fat and marrow. Upon sitting, a sprinkle of lavender and exotic spices almost completes the aromatic package – well, at least for another minute or two. And then … Early days.
PALATE: Cohesion, vigour, sheen, poise – four borders of a frame that structurally binds the lofty palate ambitions of this South Australian blend. Fresh and balanced. Neither exaggerated nor over-ripe – lively blueberry and other youthful blue/black fruits bely the maturation
timeline of this alluring blend. Certainly befitting this style, unmistakable barrel-ferment characters are undoubtedly more pronounced on palate than nose. If the mid-palate is somewhat formidable (ably supporting a thick/dense core), by contrast the back-palate is creamy and caressingly endearing.
Indeed, expansive and full – washing away all ahead of it. Certainly persistent. Texturally, chewy/grainy tannins and just-right acidity abet succulence and mouthfeel. Effortlessly handles 19 months in 100% new oak. All CV mandates of this 2019 Grange vintage are now accredited.
The most powerful expression of Penfolds’ multi-vineyard, multi-region blending philosophy, Grange is undoubtedly Australia’s most celebrated wine and is officially listed as a Heritage Icon of South Australia. Made from fully ripe, intensely flavorful and structured Shiraz grapes, and 3% Cabernet Sauvignon, the result is a unique Australian style now recognized as one of the most consistent among the world’s great wines. With an unbroken line of vintages since the experimental 1951, Grange clearly demonstrates the synergy between Shiraz and the soils and climates of South Australia.
Region: Barossa Valley, McLaren Vale, Clare Valley, Magill Estate.
Maturation: 19 months in American oak barrels (100% new).
Awards
98+/ 100 – Andrew Caillard MW
98+ / 100 – Colin Hay
98/ 100 – Ken Gargett
98/ 100 – Jeni Port
98/ 100 – Tyson Stelzer
Allergens information
Contains sulphites.
SKU: 106079-8
Penfolds
Despite great success, Penfolds never rests on its laurels. In 2012 Penfolds released its most innovative project to date – 12 handcrafted ampoules of the rare 2004 Kalimna Block Cabernet Sauvignon.
Two years later, Penfolds celebrated the 170th anniversary – having just picked up a perfect score of 100 for the 2008 Grange in two of the world’s most influential wine magazines. Today, Penfolds continues to hold dear the philosophies and legends – ‘1844 to evermore!’.
