Penfolds Grange 2005

Grange is arguably Australia's most famous wine and is officially listed as a Heritage Icon of South Australia. Grange boasts an unbroken line of vintages from the experimental 1951 and clearly demonstrates the synergy between Shiraz and the soils and climates of South Australia.

At once Grange - a tightly wrapped projection from the glass of dark-berried Barossa fruits coupled with a myriad of barrel ferment complexities. Thereafter, a burst of honey-cured pancetta aromatically thrust above, with a rich mix of generously basted roasted meats, peat, and nutmeg anchored beneath.  Upon exposure to air these characters descend, revealing beguiling elements of freshly turned volcanic earth and an innocent suggestion of old-growth forest floor underlay.  The flavor pool primarily highlights Satsuma plum conserve alongside rhubarb, aniseed, fennel, with liqueur chocolate shyly awaiting mid-palate. Balanced, firm, polished.  The first sip welcomes, the second sip asserts, the third... submission!

97 Points - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate     Containing just a dollop of 4.1% Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2005 Grange is about 85%+ Barossa fruit with the remaining proportions coming from McLaren vale and Coonawarra. It was aged for 18 months in 100% new American oak hogsheads. The nose begins a bit animal with some smoked game, mincemeat and bacon notes emerging over the freshly crushed, sun-warmed blackberries, black currant cordial, earth, black truffles, anise and allspice. Rich and full with very firm very fine tannins and very crisp acid, it gives a long finish layered with coffee, mincemeat and toast. Drink it 2013 to 2025+.

97 Points - Wine Spectator     Supple, refined and focused, this is generous with its ripe currant, blackberry jam and fresh cherry flavors playing against grace notes of coffee, tar, white pepper and molasses. The finish keeps hovering and gets richer with each sip. Lip-smackingly good. Best after 2014.