Penfolds

Grange Hermitage Bin 95 Shiraz Cabernet Sauvignon 1983

9.5

I thought for my 4000th Delectable note I should choose something special and I thought a 40 year old Penfolds Grange would fit the bill. This is back in the day when “Hermitage “ was allowed on the label. There was an immense crust on decanting reflecting the drought year of 1983. The colour was an amazing dark dense Ruby with no hint of a tawny edge. Aromas of coffee grounds, mocha, chocolate, fading blackberry, and lavender. Barb thought like an old lady’s powder drawer. Still a solid core - the intestinal fortitude (guts) of this wine is incredible. Finishing with soft silky dry tannins. This could easily have gone on for another 10 years. Andrew Caillard MW had a drinking window extending up to 2040 which would make it nearly 60 years old. The lasting impression are those silky tannins. 1983 was a drought year in South Australia hence the persistence and age of this beautiful wine. I paid about $60 for this in the late 1980s and Wine Searcher had a value of $980 on 2/2/23. — a year ago

Jeroen, Jan and 28 others liked this

Byron Hewett

Congratulations! Great pick. I have one left of this wine.

Bob McDonald

Thanks Byron. If I had my time over again I might have left this for another 10 to make it 50 years old. I think it could do this easily. I have 2 x 1986s left that is a better vintage and just as long living I will cellar for longer

Byron Hewett

I have one ‘86 as well. Thanks for the info regarding letting it sit longer! They do age at a glacial pace!