G 96+
2017 Penfolds Bin 95 Grange Shiraz – South Australia ★★★★
Deep crimson. Unmistakably Grange with lifted dark cherry blackberry, quince, praline mocha aromas and aniseed notes. Generous and inky deep with abundant dense dark cherry, blackberry fruits, plentiful fine chocolaty/velveteen textures, lovely mid-palate volume and integrated mocha vanilla malty oak. Finishes chocolaty firm, with plentiful fruit sweetness and mineral length. Surprisingly approachable with a richness and viscosity that envelops the tannins and acidity. But don’t drink it now. Wait for a good six or seven years at the very least. A solid Grange vintage reflecting superb vineyard sourcing, classification, and selection. A collector’s vintage with the promise of greater things to come. 100% Shiraz. Drink 2028–2055+, 14.5% alc Barossa Valley (including Kalimna Vineyard), McLaren Vale
2018 Penfolds Bin 95 Grange Shiraz, South Australia ★★★★★
G 100
Deep colour. Beautiful and classic with intense blackberry, blackcurrant dark chocolate espresso aromas and wax polish, roasted chestnut, malt notes. Superbly concentrated wine with deep set inky blackberry, blackcurrant, dark plum, dark chocolate mocha flavours, fine chocolaty/ velvety tannins, underlying espresso, malt, oak notes and hints of aniseed. Finishes chocolaty firm with superbly integrated acidity and mineral length. A glorious year for Grange. This will last 50 years at least. Wonderful. One of the greatest vintages of all time, highlighting a superb growing season, marvellous vineyard management, the fidelity of the Penfolds’ house-making style and generations of imagination and effort. 97% Shiraz, 3% Cabernet Sauvignon. Drink 2030–2060+, 14.5% alc Barossa Valley, McLaren Vale and Clare Valley.
2019 Penfolds Bin 95 Grange Shiraz, South Australia
G 98+
Deep crimson. Lifted fresh dark chocolate, mocha dark cherry blackberry, panforte, mocha aromas with liquorice aniseed notes. Superbly balanced wine with plentiful dark chocolate, blackberry fruits, fine graphite firm tannins, lovely mid plate richness and well-balanced mocha, espresso oak notes. Finishes chocolaty firm and long. Elemental, expressive and expansive with lovely fruit complexity, oak integration, density and torque. A brilliant follow up to the 2018 vintage. 97% Shiraz, 3% Cabernet Sauvignon, 19 months maturation in 100% new American Hogsheads, Barossa Valley, McLaren Vale, Coonawarra, Clare Valley. Drink 2028–2060, 14.5% alc
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The Vintage Journal – Verticals
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