I looked forward to the Shiraz expo at DM’s. Cues were formed to taste the new release Grange and the many other premium Shiraz offered. As a new dad, due to my lack of time, I’ll only discuss two Penfolds icon wines here.
2002 PENFOLDS Grange Bin 95
From a most anticipated vintage, this new American oak matured Grange is mostly Shiraz with 1.5% Cabernet Sauvignon added to the blend. To avoid a tired palate, I tasted this first.
Colour dark cherry red with a black centre. Reserved, closed nose. Briary fruit notes, slight alcohol and toasty oak. (Surprisingly) medium bodied with attractive cherry fruit and good concentration. Well made wine, care and attention shows with vanilla oak finish. Cool climate style but lacking flesh and power that many may expect. Good intensity and will cellar for 15-20 years but without the opulence and class of the great 1996. Certainly a decent wine but it’ll never be a great Grange. In fact, you’d think it’s a good but not extraordinary $70 Shiraz in a blind tasting. Unfortunately the only grand thing here is the price. 90-92 points. AUD $470+
2004 Penfolds RWT Barossa Valley Shiraz
Interestingly, when I tasted this, it confirmed my thoughts on what I was expecting of the Grange. This French oak matured red is 100% (mostly) old vines Shiraz from a spectacular vintage. Colour intense dark cherry red. Aromatic black fruits on the nose. Beautifully delicious palate packed with concentrated fruit flavours. Complex wine with great promise, ripe tannins and great oak grip. Superbly made serious and glorious Shiraz, that needs 15-20 years in the cellar. Easily outperforms the Grange. Many says it’s the greatest Red Wine Trial made to date and I could go along with that. When you see it, buy it because it’s worth every cent. Magnificent! 96 points. AUD $150
Cheers,
Attila
Tasted: May 2007
