Critic tasting note: "(2017) There’s 4% Cabernet Sauvignon joining the Shiraz, in a wine that spent 17 months in new American oak hogsheads. Fruit came from across South Australia as always. Fabulous concentration, mind-boggling intensity, so many layers packed into this, chocolate and liquorice, coffee and balsamic, meat-stock notes and serious black fruit at the core of it. Very tightly wound at present and unlike the Hill of Grace 2010 it would be criminal to drink this now: it’s a massive Grange of power, concentration and great purity, and will require many years in the cellar to show at its best – and age for 20 years at least." - 96/100, Tom Cannavan
Drinking Window: 2018 - 2060
Australia's most celebrated wine, Penfolds Grange is the epitome of Australian wine royalty, and a heritage listed icon of South Australia. Max Schubert, the man responsible for the creation of Grange, first made what is now the flagship Australian wine back in 1951, and now has an unbroken line of vintages stretching over 60 years. Only the very best vineyard sites are utilised for the creation of Grange, the result of which can be seen in the 2009 vintage. Big, strong flavours of mocha and chocolate are intertwined with dark fruits like plums and blackberries. The tannins are firm and grippy in its youth, but are nothing but balanced and well integrated. Destined to go down as a classic Grange vintage that will reward the patient cellarer in spades.
Ageing: 17 months in 100% new American oak hogsheads
Vintage Notes
Healthy winter rains in the Barossa Valley were followed by a dry and mild-to-warm spring which aided budburst. Consistent and slower growth continued and overlaid flowering and fruit set. December temperatures were much cooler, offering vines ideal growing conditions leading to veraison in early January. Summer rainfall came early which was followed by dry, warm weather, alleviating any disease concerns. Mild conditions followed during harvest, with yields in some vineyards below average due to the dry season overall. The fruit from these regions showcases excellent colour, concentrated flavour development and integrated tannins – hallmarks of a stand-out 2010 vintage.
