Penfolds Grange 2016 750ml
The most powerful expression of Penfolds multi-vineyard, multi-district blending philosophy, Grange is arguably Australia’s most celebrated wine and is officially listed as a Heritage Icon of South Australia.
Crafted utilising fully-ripe, intensely-flavoured and structured shiraz grapes, the result is a unique Australian style that is now recognised as one of the most consistent of the world’s great wines. With an unbroken line of vintages from the experimental 1951, Grange clearly demonstrates the synergy between shiraz and the soils and climates of South Australia.
When to drink
Continue cellaring. Peak drinking 2022 - 2065.
Technical information
Origin: Multi-regional blend, South Australia. From Barossa Valley, McLaren Vale, Clare Valley, Magill Estate.
Maturation: 18 months in American oak hogsheads (100% new)
Wine Analysis: Alc/Vol: 14.5%, Acidity: 7.3 g/L, pH: 3.63
Variety: 97% Shiraz, 3% Cabernet Sauvignon
Winemaker quotes
“Sophisticated and sculptured –a dynamic oscillation between muscularity/solidity and polish/sleekness. Grange.”
- Peter Gago, Penfolds Chief Winemaker
Taste description
Color
Bright deepened red, iris-purple on rim
Nose
A fusion of preserved figs, black plum, blackberry and black liquorice flirts with an aromatic elution of fish oil, anchovy, soy and sesame/nori.
Nascent scents of toasted charred meats (rotisserie rib of beef?), rendered fat/marrow ...
An uplifting freshness and higher notes are liberated with air – awakened scents akin to cola, Chinotto, aniseed, root beer.
Camouflaged (new!) oak has to be proactively sought out, verified.
Strikes a Grange stylistic bullseye, all boxes ticked.
Palate
A retronasal transfer of the aromatics listed above converge to similarly adorn the palate.
Full-bodied – turbo-propelled by a V.A./formic mix, affording attaque and grip, yet respectful of balance and style.
Custom-fitted with impressive density and length – all dark and black, harmonious.
Oak conceded – absorbed, compliant – effortlessly merging with blue and black fruits and dark chocolate/mocha notes.
Solid, malleable tannins, with an exacting acid coupling, serve to polish and elevate; no doubt soon to preserve.
Energetic, focussed. Much still to reveal ...Scores
100 Points - Ken Gargett, The World of Fine Wine
20+ Points - Matthew Jukes
99 Points - Joe Czerwinski, Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate
99 Points - James Halliday
99 Points - Tony Love
98 Points - Andrew Caillard MW
98 Points - Nick Stock, jamessuckling.com
98 Points - David Sly, Decanter Magazine
97 Points - Huon Hooke
Vintage conditions
Autumn and winter were dry and cool across South Australia. Below long-term average rainfall continued throughout spring and summer, resulting in a slightly delayed start to the growing season across the warmer districts. The early part of summer was warm, with plenty of sunshine, allowing shiraz vines to develop healthy canopies and good bunch set. Rainfall in late January and early February was a welcome relief across the state and greatly improved yield forecasts.
Optimal conditions in late summer and early autumn ensured the grapes were able to ripen evenly, develop desirable flavours and firm tannins.
The Barossa Valley and Clare Valley harvest was outstanding, for both yield and quality. McLaren Vale recorded only a handful of days above 40°C in December, with no heatwaves from veraison to harvest. Mild conditions were also welcomed at Magill Estate vineyard, where shiraz was able to ripen evenly across all three blocks. Grapes from the Magill Estate harvest were handpicked on the 11th and 12th of February.