1956 Penfolds Bin 14 Grange Hermitage – South Australia ★★ Bottled 14/3/1957 Variable condition with the best still showing freshness, mature developed fruit and lacy firm textures. Most now curios and past their prime. Very rare. 96% Shiraz, 4% Cabernet Sauvignon. Past, 13% alc Magill Estate (Adelaide)/Morphett Vale (Adelaide)/Kalimna Vineyard (Barossa Valley). The Grange style was lightened with only nine months in oak, to meet internal criticism. Also released as Bin 53. 1957 Penfolds Bin 50 Grange Hermitage – South Australia ★★ Bottled 11/2/1958 This wine has mostly faded now, with advanced age and extremely frail structure. Very rare. 88% Shiraz, 12% Cabernet Sauvignon. Past, 12.6% alc Magill Estate (Adelaide)/Morphett Vale (Adelaide)/McLaren Vale. The first of the three ‘Hidden Granges’; the wine was made without the knowledge of Penfolds management, who had ordered Max Schubert to cease production. Matured in the previous year’s Grange barrels. 1958 Penfolds Bin 46 Grange Hermitage – South Australia ★★ Bottled 27/5/1959 Now overdeveloped with maderised/sherry-like aromas and flavours. Falling apart. Very rare. 94% Shiraz, 6% Cabernet Sauvignon. Past, 12.6% alc Magill Estate (Adelaide)/Morphett Vale (Adelaide)/Kalimna Vineyard (Barossa Valley)/Barossa Valley/McLaren Vale. The second ‘Hidden Grange’.
1959 Bin 46 Grange Hermitage – South Australia ★★★ Bottled 1/3/1960
G 93 #
At the end of its optimum life. Some bottles holding up with advanced maturity but fine sinewy tannins. Very Rare. 90% Shiraz, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon. Drink now–past, 12.5% alc Magill Estate (Adelaide)/Morphett Vale (Adelaide)/Kalimna Vineyard (Barossa Valley). The third and final ‘Hidden Grange’. Released as Bin 46 (also Bins 49 and 95). The Bin 95 bottling was the most commercially available.
16
The Vintage Journal – Verticals
Powered by FlippingBook