Penfolds Grange Bin 95 Shiraz (Limited Release HORSE Edition Giftbox)

Grange stands as the most powerful expression of Penfolds multi-vineyard, multi-regional blending philosophy and is officially listed as a Heritage Icon of South Australia. Crafted from fully ripe, intensely flavoured Shiraz, it delivers a unique Australian style acclaimed among the world’s greatest wines. With an unbroken line of vintages since the experimental 1951, each release demonstrates the enduring synergy between Shiraz and the soils and climates of South Australia, extending the vision and unwavering conviction of its creator, Max Schubert.

Winemaker notes

2021: An instant cornucopia of Grange markers – where to begin?! This 2021 vintage is certainly expansive across the palate. Three sources and three dimensions induce ‘blackness’ via selective Barossa/McLaren Vale/Clare Valley fruit sourcing and thereafter formidable structural length/width/depth stature. A vortex of mid-palate sumptuousness, framed by sleek, dusty tannins, and chocolatey/brûléed-suggestive oak. Less blurred are the Clare Valley sourcing descriptor giveaways – Dutch liquorice and menthol. Maybe, from Barossa – soaked dark satsuma plum, star anise, and roast quince? Tomorrow, a different reveal. Can’t wait!

2021

James Suckling 98: Wow. What a release of this famed Australian wine, made from 94% shiraz and 6% cabernet sauvignon. Aromas of blackcurrants, cured meat, cedar, iodine, blackberry compote and lilacs. The palate is full-bodied with seamlessly integrated tannins and a powerful yet silken mouthfeel that persists in a long-lasting finish. You can taste the prestige and history, tied in with the expression of the warm 2021 vintage. As always, a wine for aging but drinking well now. Drink or hold.

Decanter 99: Confession: Grange has never been my favourite of the Penfolds portfolio (I am a St Henri girl) but I’ve been converted. And if ever a vintage were to turn me, 2021 was always going to be the one, heralded by many in South Australia as a ‘vintage of a lifetime’. Sourced from sites across the Barossa Valley (66%), McLaren Vale (26%) and Clare Valley (8%), it is a blend of 94% Shiraz and 6% Cabernet Sauvignon, which spends 18 months in 100% new American oak hogsheads, and has already integrated seamlessly into the opulent fruit. My initial impressions, hurriedly typed, start with a string of descriptors that detail just how seductive it is already: “Wow! Exotic, inky, generous, silky, ripe, velvety. Immense. Incredible. The whole package!” (My colleague Georgie Hindle wrote: “Classy and so sophisticated. Like looking at a gorgeous man in a tuxedo.”) The trademark Grange volatile acidity presents itself as macerated balsamic strawberries, tapenade and tarmac, joining mouthfilling silky tannins and sumptuous aromas and flavours of boysenberry, root beer, mocha, salted liquorice and crème caramel. If you can ignore its siren call from the cellar, it easily has three to five decades of life ahead. Released at £600.

Falstaff 99: Deep dark ruby colour, opaque core, purple reflections, delicate ochre rim brightening. Nuances of spices and precious wood, notes of dried herb, blackberry fruit, dark cherry, subtle hints of mint and eucalyptus, hints of nougat, delicate floral nuances with more air, very multi-faceted bouquet. Full-bodied, complex, red heart cherry, ripe, supporting tannins, mineral and long-lasting, subtle extract sweetness on the finish, fine saline nuances, has great length and secure development, certain ageing potential.