Penfolds : Grange 2018

An Australian wine given 100/100 rating by James Suckling

The estate

Voted New World Winery of the Year in 2013 by the prestigious Wine Enthusiast magazine, Penfolds had already established itself as an icon of Australia's great wines thanks to the unparalleled determination of Mary Penfold in the 19th century. Certainly the co-founder of Penfolds devoted herself body and soul to making exceptional wines. Her life's work is reflected in the winery's success in establishing itself as a benchmark in Southern Australia. When Max Schubert joined the Penfolds venture in the 1950s, he brought to the estate's wines the elegance of the great Bordeaux wines that so fascinated him. Success was not long in coming when the cellar master signed his famous Grange cuvée, which crossed Australian borders to win the hearts of wine lovers around the world.

The wine

Penfolds' famous Grange is exceptional and widely recognised. The 2008 vintage was the only Australian vintage to receive a 100/100 rating from Wine Spectator and Robert Parker's Wine Advocate. Ten years later, the 2018 Grange is now rated 100/100, this time by James Suckling. Grange is arguably Australia's most renowned wine and is listed by the South Australian Heritage Foundation. This wine is made from a selection of grapes from different plots and regions (Barossa Valley, McLaren Vale, Clare Valley). This method, commonly practised at Penfolds, is called multisourcing. This wine, made from Shiraz with a touch of Cabernet Sauvignon, is intense and balanced. This cuvée, which was created in 1951, presents the synergy between the grape varieties, the terroirs and the climate.

The vintage

The rainy winter gave the vines a great water supply. The spring saw above-normal heat, resulting in an early growth cycle. Flowering and fruit set took place in good conditions. The summer was dry and hot in the three regions where the grapes come from (Barossa Valley, McLaren Vale, Clare Valley) which slowed down phenolic ripening and delayed the harvest by two weeks. The autumn was cooler, allowing the grapes to ripen in the best possible conditions. Ultimately, the 2018 vintage was exceptional.

Blend

Shiraz
Cabernet Sauvignon.

Characteristics and tasting tips for 2018 from Penfolds

Tasting

Colour
This wine has a deep, dark purple colour.

Nose
The freshness and vivacity are the most characteristic features of the Grange style. Black fruit like blackcurrant, with a hint of aniseed and chocolate make this wine delicious. Animal scents like leather and lamb are released, with smoke and shoe polish make this wine complex and powerful.

Palate
Scents of chocolate, red and black fruit like raspberry and blackcurrant accompany leather and mushroom notes. The structure is supple and round, the tannins and acidity make the wine complex. The subtle French oak notes makes way for the fruit. The finish is extremely lively and long-lasting.

Food and wine pairing

Game and cured meats are excellent accompaniments to this wine.

To serve

For the best tasting, serve between 16 and 18°C.

Storage

Grange 2018 from Penfolds can be tasted between 2028 and 2068.