Penfolds - Grange - 1971

Of the 1971 Penfolds Grange, winemaker Peter Gago suggests it's a Grange that doesn't seem to tolerate poor storage or travel. I've had glorious bottles of this and others that were just very good. This one was at the glorious end of the spectrum, however it faded very quickly (after about 30 minutes in the glass) so I would not recommend decanting this wine with lots of air or well in advance of drinking as it seems very fragile. Deep garnet-brick in color, the nose was incredible to begin, offering an array of meaty, baking spice, incense, Ceylon tea and coffee notes with hints of dried Chinese plum, figs, dates, hazelnuts and aniseed. It fills the mouth with flavor yet is elegant in weight and structure with a medium level of finely grained tannins, enlivening acid and only 12.3% alcohol. The finish is very long and layered. 95 Points - Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Wine Advocate