Vanessa

9.4

We finally had the chance to clink glasses 🥂 to celebrate our D6 results and completion of WSET Diploma!  🥳

We decided to pop this bottle of 2009 Penfolds “Grange” that we’ve been holding onto for some time… ⏰

It’s a 98% Shiraz and 2% Cabernet Sauvignon blend 🍇 made with grapes hailing from vineyards of Barossa Valley (primarily), McLaren Vale, Clare Valley and Magill Estate, all situated in South Australia. 🇦🇺

It had a medium garnet hue 👁️ with medium (+) intensity of layered aromas 👃🏻 and flavors 👄 including plush and concentrated notes of red and black cherry, cassis, boysenberry, dried fig, blueberry, violet, cocoa nibs, mocha, cedar, dill, vanilla, nutmeg, anise seed, clove, licorice, mint, forest floor, tobacco, leather, peppercorn, and meat. 👀

On the palate, it was dry with medium acidity, a lusciously full body, medium (+) velvety tannins, high alcohol (14.5% ABV) and a long finish. 🙌🏻

It was a spectacular wine, ripe for the occasion.  Cheers! — 5 days ago

with Deked1

George Hesse

9.7

Another hit from Penfolds!! I think this is better than the bottle of Grange we had in Sydney! — 5 years ago

with Jeff and Jennifer

Michael Patrone

10

Surprising amount of tannins left in this 95. Best Shiraz I've had hands down. — 7 years ago

Andrew McIntyre

9.6

I love Penfolds Grange...one of my all time favourite wines. The depth and concentration of flavour of this 33 year old wine is outstanding...i think these will just go forever. Massive wine and a reminder of how excellent Syrah is! — 10 days ago

Bob McDonald

9.1

Rich crimson with purple tinges. It certainly has the Penfolds winemaking thumbprint of ripe fruit and toasty oak. As HH said it tastes more Australian than Californian even though all the fruit is Californian and it was vinified there. These are the details (78% Cabernet 22% Shiraz. Napa 45%, Sonoma 35%, Paso Robles 20%). In hindsight it probably tastes Australian because of the Cabernet Shiraz blend which is common in Australia and rare (or nonexistent in California?). This venture for Penfolds has been 30 years in the making with Shiraz cuttings being brought from South Australia to Geyser Peak in Sonoma back then as our host for the dinner explained on the night. 4 Cuvées, all Red have been made ranging in price of $95 for this wine to $950 for Quantum. 70% of the production has been allocated to the North American market so dinners such as the one we had are quite rare in Australia because of lack of stock. This Bin 600 even though the least expensive of the 4 Cuvées will live well into the late 2030s even though it is so well balanced you could happily drink it now. — 3 years ago

Mike H.

8.9

I can afford La Grange. — 8 years ago

Bob McDonald

9.2

Nice aromas of mint (not positive but this 100% Cabernet Sauvignon is probably mainly from Coonawarra) and cassis, black currant aromas. Medium bodied with an inner core of latent strength, inherent in most Penfolds Reds. Tastes way younger than 13 years and will cellar for at least another 10 to 15 years or more. Postscript: I thought this statement was appropriate from Penfolds First Chief Winemaker and the creator of Grange, Max Schubert said, “Penfolds different cuvées may differ in character Year by Year, but all bear an unmistakable resemblance and relationship to each other. “ This is pertinent when tasting Bin 407. — a year ago

"Odedi"

9.2

It is time for my #FridayCabernetfix.

This is a delicious Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley made by Penfolds.

Full bodied with medium acidity.

Dry on the palate with nice complexity and mouthfeel. Rich and extracted.

Showing black cherries, sweet plums, cedar, licorice, chocolates, herbs, spices, earth, light vegetables, tobacco leaf and peppercorn.

Long finish with round tannins and tangy raspberries.

Good right out of the bottle, and better after 3 hours of airtime. Gets earthier as it opens up.

Nicely balanced and fruit forward. Big and opulent.

Still young and will continue to mature in the next 8 years.

Robert Parker 94 points. Wine Enthusiasts 95 points.

Good by itself or with food. Will pair nicely with a big piece of steak.

14.5% alcohol by volume.

92 points.

$70. — a year ago

Conrad Green

9.4

Eucalyptus and American oak. Lovely resolved fruit. Deep, rich, almost syrupy. Lovely stuff. Longgggg — 7 years ago

with Robert, Major-General and 2 others

Thomas Brenner

9.1

Only says Shiraz, but if my research didn't steer me wrong, there may also be some cabernet in there as well. I believe that this, inaugral vintage of the Max's Shiraz by Penfolds, is only available in Australia. Named after the creator of the Grange, it certainly isn't that or the baby grange bin 389, but its got a long enough finish, and great complexity. — 8 years ago