Penfolds - Grange - 1976

Tasted 2002. Consistently one of the most awesome wines ever made at Grange, this blend of 89% Shiraz and 11% Cabernet Sauvignon (13.9% alcohol) was the first Australian wine to cost $20 upon release. I have had this wine six separate times, every time rating it between 96 and 100. It had a phenomenal showing at Penfolds' Magill estate. The color is an opaque purple, the wine massive, full-bodied, and to me, the quintessential Grange. Notes of blackberry liqueur intermixed with cassis, charcoal, new saddle leather, and underbrush resonate from the glass. Huge, thick, unctuously textured, with extraordinary concentration but perfect harmony among all of its elements, this is a prodigious Grange that is still not fully mature. Anticipated maturity: 2004-2020. A legend for sure! 100 Points/Drink 2004-2020 - Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate Tasted 2012. This 1976 Penfolds Grange was disappointingly closed when first poured but opened-up beautifully after about an hour in the glass. Deep brick in color, it blossomed into aromas of dried mulberries, figs, hazelnuts and coffee over hints of aniseed, vanilla, menthol and, rather curiously, it also smelled a little like coca-cola (but thankfully didn't taste of it!). The palate offers mouth-filling mature, savory and dried fruit flavors with a medium level of very finely grained, silt-like tannins, refreshing acid and a long toasty finish. It's delicious to drink right now. 98 Points - Lisa Perrotti-Brown, The Wine Advocate