What Grange to drink now?

[Tezzno]

Hi,
First time drinking Grange tomorrow evening. Not usually a Shiraz drinker but don't mind an aged one. Just wondering what Grange to drink out of these:
1986 Penfolds Grange 'Bin 95'
1989 Penfolds Grange 'Bin 95'
1992 Penfolds Grange 'Bin 95'
1993 Penfolds Grange 'Bin 95'
1995 Penfolds Grange 'Bin 95'
1996 Penfolds Grange 'Bin 95'
1997 Penfolds Grange 'Bin 95'
2001 Penfolds Grange 'Bin 95'
2002 Penfolds Grange 'Bin 95'
2003 Penfolds Grange 'Bin 95'
2004 Penfolds Grange 'Bin 95'
2005 Penfolds Grange 'Bin 95'
2006 Penfolds Grange 'Bin 95'
2007 Penfolds Grange 'Bin 95'
Thanks a million, Terry

[sjw_11]

I assume we are pretending differences in cost/value per bottle are irrelevant here, and that the provenance is good and the same for all bottles?

1986

[rens]

Out of all of those, I'd choose the 86 too.

[phillisc]

Not bad for a first up post.
Cheers
Craig

[Bobthebuilder]

wish I could be making that decision!



86 would be my pick too
pennys would be telling you everything else is far to young to drink
(Id happily drink anything up to the 97 without the slightest guilt of vinfanticide)

[catchnrelease]

'86 is one of the best bottles there but would have plenty left in the tank.

Ones from lesser vintages such as '89, '93 and '95 might be worth cracking as they will, theoretically, have a shorter cellaring potential.

Depends on what company you're having.

[Mahmoud Ali]

'86 is one of the best bottles there but would have plenty left in the tank. Ones from lesser vintages such as '89, '93 and '95 might be worth cracking as they will, theoretically, have a shorter cellaring potential.

Agree about the '86, so I think the '89 would be the way to go, on the basis that one should always try the oldest vintage, in this case the next oldest. Interestingly, I've had both the '89 Koonunga Hill and Bin 389, and they were pretty good with about 15 and 20 years of age respectively.

Mahmoud

[Tezzno]

Thanks, sounds like great advice.
I think we may go for the 89 as it is $350 less expensive. The 86 is $800 (restaurant price). "The Rewards of Patience" says good things about the 89 back in 2012 when tasted and says that the 86 is amazing but still has a lot left. (Maybe if I'm lucky enough I can go back and have the 86 another time).
Should I let you know how it goes?
Thanks again, really appreciate all of your help.

[rens]

Yes. Please let us know how it goes

[Bobthebuilder]

Yes please!

[Tezzno]

I haven't ever had Grange before so I have nothing to really compare it to and I'm certainly no wine critic but the 89 last night was sensational!!! We had it decanted of course, but had some in our glass straight up to see it unfold. I couldn't believe that the 26 year old wine could have that colour - It was still quite a deep red with no sign of brown that I've seen in other much less aged wines. It had wonderful aromas that continued to change and unfold as the evening went on. The flavors were amazing and went from port, muscat, leather and a meatiness I haven't experienced before, through to berries and raisins as it opened up. And the tannins to finish went on for days. I'm sure this wine has quite a few more years to go.
It was truly one of my favorite wine experiences. Thank you again for you're insights. I hope I can go back at some stage to try the 86 and wonder if it would be as good as the 89 now or if it needs a few more years...

[griff]

Great post! I think you should just go for it with the 86 rather than wait. It is in its window and who knows what will happen in a few years time!

[Waiters Friend]

Great post! I think you should just go for it with the 86 rather than wait. It is in its window and who knows what will happen in a few years time!

Sorry Griff - I disagree. For a first time Grange taster, I woul knock over a couple of the lesser vintages first (93, 95?), before building up to the fabulous 86.

Regardless, there's another consideration that has not been discussed yet. Is there only ONE bottle of each vintage? If there's more, that opens up the possibilities considerably.

Cheers
Allan

[griff]

Great post! I think you should just go for it with the 86 rather than wait. It is in its window and who knows what will happen in a few years time!

Sorry Griff - I disagree. For a first time Grange taster, I woul knock over a couple of the lesser vintages first (93, 95?), before building up to the fabulous 86.

Regardless, there's another consideration that has not been discussed yet. Is there only ONE bottle of each vintage? If there's more, that opens up the possibilities considerably.

Cheers
Allan

He had the 89 so I think he is ready now