Shiraz
75cl * 14.5% ABV * South Australia
Grange is arguably Australia's most celebrated wine. On a trip to Bordeaux in 1950, Penfolds winemaker Max Schubert was fascinated by the idea that a wine could 'stay alive' for at least twenty years. With this in mind, he experimented with his first 'Grange Hermitage', named after the first Australian home of Penfolds Founders Dr Christopher and Mary Penfold. The concept was initially laughed at, though he persisted in making the wine in secrecy until it was reinstated by the board in 1960 once they too realised the value of quality aged red wines. Since then, Penfolds Grange has been awarded over 30 perfect scores from top wine critics around the world. It is up there with the best wines in the world.
In 2023, NIGO - the artistic director of KENZO and founder of Tokyo-based lifestyle brand 'Human Made' - joined Penfolds as their creative partner and led the first-ever design takeover of the flagship Grange wine. This one-off series edition of the packaging design was inspired by NIGO's visit to the Penfolds Magill Estate Winery. The gift box includes a bandana and bottle neck tag of his design.
As per usual, the 2019 vintage is a blend of the best vineyards across South Australia. The wine has raspberry and blackberry compote aromas, with cedar, liquorice, and winter spices on the nose. The palate is fleshy and opulent, with concentrated ripe black cherries, blackcurrants and plum. The fruit is balanced by powerful, well-integrated tannins and a long, spicey finish, which give the wine complexity and longevity. It will pair brilliantly with roast beef or lamb. Decant at least 2hrs before drinking, if not more. Drink 2028-2060.
'Deep crimson. Lifted fresh dark chocolate, mocha dark cherry blackberry, paneforte, mocha aromas with liquorice aniseed notes. Superbly balanced wine with plentiful dark chocolate, blackberry fruits, fine graphite firm tannins, lovely mid plate richness and well-balanced mocha, espresso oak notes. Finishes chocolaty firm and long. Elemental, expressive and expansive with lovely fruit complexity oak integration, density and torque. A brilliant follow up to the 2018 vintage.' 98 pts, Andrew Caillard MW
95+ pts Robert Parker
97 pts James Halliday
96 pts James Suckling