This much-anticipated vintage has received an extraordinary five perfect 100-point scores from leading wine critics; Andrew Caillard MW, Ken Gargett (World of Fine Wine), Nick Stock (JamesSuckling.com), Tony Love and Lisa Perrotti-Brown.
GRANGE 2018 GIFT BOX
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.
VARIETAL
Shiraz
VINTAGE
2018
VOLUME
750 ML
PEAK DRINKING
2028 – 2068
AWARDS
100 Points - Andrew Caillard MW
100 Points - Tony Love
100 Points - Nick Stock, jamessuckling.com
100 Points - Lisa Perrotti-Brown
100 Points - Ken Gargett, The World of Fine Wine
TASTE DESCRIPTION
Familial flavours of a deconstructed Black Forest Cake/trifle – chocolate, custard, bright wild raspberry; redcurrant. So many other less-obvious flavours ‘distractions’ - mushroom pâté/duxelles, replete with a beefy accompaniment. Notes of sarsaparilla whirled into the mix. Also, an assortment of fresh red and black liquorice – ‘straight out of the bag’. Mouthcoating - a confluence of tannin/acidity/oak/fruit – all joyously meshed together. A convex mid-palate that generously supports upfront palate grip and a continuum of delight all the way to a lengthy, lingering finish. Truly ‘alive’, Upon sitting and with air, all transforms. A second revised tasting note, however, can definitely wait. There will be ample opportunity over the next half-century!
Near long-term winter rainfall ensured the vines reached spring with full soil moisture profiles. Elevated spring temperatures, driven by higher-than-usual lows, indicated an early start to the growing season. Warm and sunny weather prevailed throughout most of spring, providing optimal conditions for flowering and fruit-set. The Barossa Valley experienced a dry summer, only recording 50% of the long-term average rainfall. The region experienced 22 days of temperature greater than 35°C during summer, while to the south, McLaren Vale experienced 17 days greater than 35°C. This warm and dry pattern also prevailed in Clare Valley with only one significant rain event in early December. The hot spells slowed grape phenology, delaying harvest by a couple of weeks. Milder conditions in autumn provided optimal conditions for ripening grapes to their fullest potential. An outstanding vintage.
GRAPE VARIETY
Shiraz
VINEYARD REGION
Barossa Valley, McLaren Vale, Clare Valley
WINE ANALYSIS
Alc/Vol: 14.5%, PH: 3.61, Acidity: 7g/L
MATURATION
18 Months In American Oak Hogsheads (100% New)
