Penfolds Grange 2018 Magnum 1500ml

PENFOLDS GRANGE 2018 MAGNUM 1500ml

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.

Awards

Nick Stock, Jamessuckling.com - 100
Tony Love, Winepilot - 100
Lisa Perrotti, Brown - 100
Andrew Caillard, MW, The Vintage Journal - 100
Anders Enquiest, Livets Goda Sweden - 100
MaryAnn, Worobiec Wine Spectator - 100
Ken Gargett, World of Fine Wine - 100

TASTE DESCRIPTION

Colour: Radiant deep red, on rim, black core.

Nose: Instantly, an assault of piercing V.A., a portal of pulsating formics. Conveying what is then revealed via waves of lingering, layered aromatics:

• First the fruit - ripe blackberries/blackcurrant reduction, laced with spices – notably fennel and anise.
• Then a sprinkle of dark chocolate and cocoa-powder.
• Unabashed scents akin to charcoaled lamb fat, and raw wagyu carpaccio (amid caper berries) arise to authenticate shiraz DNA.

Palate: Familial flavours of a deconstructed Black Forest Cake/trifle – chocolate, custard, bright wild raspberry; redcurrant. So many other less-obvious flavour ‘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 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!