By the 2000s Grange reached a zenith. Winemaking advances slowed and vineyard management and sourcing became the key to evolution. Still, the vintages of the 2010s are massively impressive and highlight that Grange is a work in progress, continues to improve and remains a lasting reference of Australia’s ultra-fine wine scene. Although it is hard to predict the future, I think that most advances in viticulture and production will relate to precision management, sustainable practices, climate mitigation and circularity. The use of technology, artificial intelligence and data will inevitably lead to further improvements in quality and new horizons for Grange. Behind all of this is a first class winemaking team renowned for its esprit de corps, optimism and wonderful collaborative spirit.
The Ratings REPUTATION
MY SCORES
★★★★★ Exceptional ★★★★ Very Good
95–100 points 91–94 points 87–90 points
Good
★★★
Not showing its best
<86 Past
★★
Past
★
There are some vintages in this review where scores are marked with a #. These are suggested marks based on recent but not formal tastings and should be seen as a guide. Every bottle has its own cellaring life. Some lesser vintages, beautifully cellared, can result in something special. Poorly cellared examples of star vintages can land up with disappointment. Cork issues, oxidation, etc., can also play a part in the condition of the wine. As an auctioneer and an ‘adjunct ‘of the Penfolds Red Wine Clinics for many years, I learned that you could more or less tell whether a bottle was going shape up, just by the sheen of the bottle, the ullage levels and condition of capsules.
Penfolds Grange
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