Best Grange '72 to '09

[maybs]

Hi guys

So, it looks like I will be attending a BYO function where the cost of admission is one bottle of Grange. I anticipate we will end up with about 10-12 attendees and it should be interesting, since I have never tasted a drop of the stuff in my life!

Anyhow, I am kind of organising it and one of the other attendees has said that I can nominate which bottle he brings. He says he has a complete vertical from 1972 to 2009

I will be taking a 2004, as it is one of the few I own

I am not sure yet what anyone else is planning on bringing but what do you guys think you would pick if you had your choice and quality, rather than sentiment ('79 was my birth year) was the defining factor?

A quick look at Cellartracker suggests that some stand out vintages in the last 30 years have been '74, '82, '86 and '98, with the '74 probably a bit past its peak, the '82 nudging the edges and the '86 in a really good place right now. Sounds like the '98 is very good but still too young.

So, my preliminary thoughts are the '86 but I am interested to hear if I am missing something. Great chance to unashamedly raid someone else's cellar.

[phillisc]

Maybs,

the 74 was a dreadfully rain affected vintage from memory, only 2011 was worse.

Go for the 76, have not tried this wine for 15 years but was an absolute belter then, and by all accounts good bottles are still a treat.

Mike from NYC and N4sir (Ian) have far more experience than me, they will be able to give you some good advice.

Have fun

Cheers Craig.

[Polymer]

I'd go 86..

If not 86 than 90 or 91..

[Mike Hawkins]

76 would be first choice, then 86, then daylight to 90.

[Cesar]

I had a 79 and it was one of the greatest wine I have ever had... Lucky bottle perhaps!

[Luke W]

In my humble opinion I'd go for the 76, 83, 86 in that order as they are all stunning and ready to drink now. The 90 and 91 are just as good but will need more decant time. The 96 is JO's favourite but needs at least 16 hours in a decanter if it's been cellared well. You could appreciate the later wines particularly 04 and 08 if the former hasn't gone into hibernation yet. Keep well clear of the 01 as it needs about 2 days in a decanter. 94 was a pretty good wine and may be ready to try. I had a 95 a couple of years ago and loved it after only a few hours in a decanter. 99 is another dark horse and some who've given it a go have raved about it. I've been trying to get my brother to part with the 98 I gave him but that would be infanticide.
Borrow someone's latest Rewards of Patience and read what the experts say....

[Andy.L]

I would go for 83, 86, 90, 91 and 95

Cheers
Andy

[catchnrelease]

'76 if it's on good condition, then '86 as others have suggested.

[maybs]

Pretty primary or secondary vote for the '86, which is what I was thinking. Sounds like they bad boy invoking to lunch

[GraemeG]

76 then 86. Possibly 83 after that. 90 and 91 are lovely but not ready.
GG

[DJ1980]

As many have said, the golden vintages i'd be looking at are 76, 86, 90, 91.

I have been lucky enough to have tried all these as well as the 96 and 98 and for me the best of the bunch is the 1986. A stunning wine.

Next best for me would be the 96, it to will be incredible.

[camw]

76 or 82 for drinking now. Never had an 83 that has been better than very good, I know a lot of people love it but I'm not one of them.

[Rossco]

I have tried only two granges, the 74 and the 79.

I tried the The 79 in 2009 and was tested and approved at the penfolds wine clinic in 04 (by memory)

Quite a disappointing wine in every respect. Wasnt tired or past it, wasnt corked or oxidized,
but just didnt do it for me. The finish was quite short and uneventful.

The 74 however was a complete revelation. Was absolutely stunning and everything you expect from the
Icon wine. So silky and smooth.... was a wine moment for me... one i will never forget.

[Waiters Friend]

While endorsing the general enthusiasm for 1986, the main reason for posting is to suggest that all participants in the tasting you propose do not bring anything less than 20 years old. Bringing a top younger vintage like 2002 or even 1998 might be a waste (too young)

[maybs]

While endorsing the general enthusiasm for 1986, the main reason for posting is to suggest that all participants in the tasting you propose do not bring anything less than 20 years old. Bringing a top younger vintage like 2002 or even 1998 might be a waste (too young)

Yes I understand. Unfortunately a few of us don't have access to older vintages and may need to bring something from the late 90's or early 2000's. I am going to try and do a swap with some of the other attendees instead but that may not be possible. Whilst I agree they will be too young I am actually ok with that in the context as I am interested to compare the group of wines over the ages in terms of how they are when young and then at different life stages.

[TiggerK]

2002 is aging glacially, I tried on release and again last year and it really hadn't budged. 2004 is slightly more approachable, but make sure you give it an all day decant, it'll really need it.

Based on the vintages I've had, or heard recently about, I would look at 77, 82, 86, 90, 94 or 96.

FWIW, 1967 and 1971 are by far the best Granges I've had, but the 77 (on the same night as the 67) was very good too. I'm also not a huge fan of 83 having tried it twice. Age is what makes Grange (almost) worth the price tag. Have a great night, look forward to the notes!

And it's goes without saying that corks are probably more a factor than the vintage! It'll only take a hint of taint to ruin what might otherwise have been a superb wine. Good luck!

[michel]

1986

Young 83 used to be v good

[dan_smee]

86 or 76 - no brainer. 76 probably just because it is so good and so expensive to replace!

[richie32]

Recently purchased a 94 at School fundraiser auction, thoughts opinions please on the 94.

[rens]

Recently purchased a 94 at School fundraiser auction, thoughts opinions please on the 94.

A reasonable Grange (I think it got mid 90's from the critics). Had it 3-4 years ago and needed a bit more time. Probably entering the drinking window now and for another 10 years-so no hurry

[Mr_Cervelo]

They are all good, so you won't go wrong.

My vote would be for 76. Sounds like he knows how to look after this wines, so when you have an option to try a 76, you take it. Anything 80's and onwards, you can find readily available at auction at reasonable prices.

[mse]

Hi mayb,

Is the BYO function available to public or just among a group of friends? I would like to join the grange BYO function if that's possible, but I only have 91', 96', 99', 02' and 06' though.

Michael

[maybs]

Hi mayb,

Is the BYO function available to public or just among a group of friends? I would like to join the grange BYO function if that's possible, but I only have 91', 96', 99', 02' and 06' though.

Michael

Hi Michael, unfortunately this is a closed function just with my work colleagues.

I must say whilst I am interested to taste a variety of different vintages of this iconic wine I would have preferred a sort of iconic theme with more variety (though there will be champagne and a few whites as well). I am sure an offline will come up like that some time which is not just for one of the private groups tasting groups.

[rooman]

Hi mayb,

Is the BYO function available to public or just among a group of friends? I would like to join the grange BYO function if that's possible, but I only have 91', 96', 99', 02' and 06' though.

Michael

Hi Michael, unfortunately this is a closed function just with my work colleagues.

I must say whilst I am interested to taste a variety of different vintages of this iconic wine I would have preferred a sort of iconic theme with more variety (though there will be champagne and a few whites as well). I am sure an offline will come up like that some time which is not just for one of the private groups tasting groups.

Is it too late to join your firm? I have a range of skills depending on the job specs.

[maybs]

Hi mayb,

Is the BYO function available to public or just among a group of friends? I would like to join the grange BYO function if that's possible, but I only have 91', 96', 99', 02' and 06' though.

Michael

Hi Michael, unfortunately this is a closed function just with my work colleagues.

I must say whilst I am interested to taste a variety of different vintages of this iconic wine I would have preferred a sort of iconic theme with more variety (though there will be champagne and a few whites as well). I am sure an offline will come up like that some time which is not just for one of the private groups tasting groups.

Is it too late to join your firm? I have a range of skills depending on the job specs.

[n4sir]

I'm pretty much in agreement with majority the other suggestions - while I haven't tried it the sexy pick is the 1976, based on reputation and current $$$.

1986 is a vintage I have tried, and I can't recommend it highly enough - when I tried the 1996 and 2004 vintages, I immediately thought I could see traits of this wine in those two, so that may be another reason for you to possibly consider it (to get an idea of what your 2004 may end up like).

Cheers,
Ian

[maybs]

Thanks Ian.

So far it looks like we may have a '76, a '86, a '90, a '95 and a '04 although I am going to still try and swap the '04 for something else. Also have someone who has promised to bring a decent champagne and a few bottles of good white, probably Leeuwin Art Series. Provided I can arrange a date that suits all of them it should be pretty good!

[Redwine&Rum]

What would a '86 Grange be worth these days at auction? It's my birth year wine so interested in picking at least 1 up. Cheers

[maybs]

What would a '86 Grange be worth these days at auction? It's my birth year wine so interested in picking at least 1 up. Cheers

There are 3 individual bottles for sale in a current auction at Langtons. Estimate is $500-$600, current bids $494.