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2016 Penfolds Grange

Penfolds Grange 2016

99 points | Wine Advocate
The 2016 Grange includes 3% Cabernet Sauvignon and was sourced from Barossa Valley, McLaren Vale and Clare Valley, with a little bit from Magill Estate, in the suburbs of Adelaide. Aged in 100% new American oak (as always), it offers up trademark lifted aromas plus scents of vanilla, toasted coconut, cedar, raspberries and blackberries. Impressively concentrated and full-bodied, with an extraordinarily long, velvety finish, it’s nevertheless reasonably fresh and tight, with decades of cellaring potential if properly stored. Certainly at least on a par with such vintages as 2010 and 2012, the big question is whether it will ultimately reach triple digits. (JC tasted July 2020)
98 points | Decanter
So much going on in the glass; it’s a tempestuous opera with a big cast. On the nose, there’s high lift from a big, generous swirl of fruity aromas that carry a hint of fermented fig among the blackberry, dark plum and aniseed. Investigate further on the palate and there’s a lot going on within its dense hedge of dark berries and secondary flavours of mocha and liquorice. Ultimately, it’s the heavy black notes that win out and persist, but there is so much to ponder, even after the event has concluded. A Grange worth mulling over. (DS – July 2020)
98 points | James Suckling
This is a very intense Grange with such rich black-fruit, tar and coal-smoke aromas together with iodine and black-olive notes and an array of wild dark herbs. Almost impenetrable dark plums and licorice, as well as bacon fat. The palate has such seamless delivery of intense blackberry and plum flavors with some redder tones emerging, too. The power here is countered by such freshness and an almost elegant feel. This has such impressive, vibrant, long and seamless fruit power. Really is exceptionally complete, but tight, needs time to open. Very enjoyable now, but better after 2023. (July 2020)
98 points | Vinous
Deep, shimmering violet. Expansive, smoke- and spice-accented aromas of cherry liqueur, cassis, coconut and pungent flowers show excellent clarity. Stains the palate with concentrated dark fruit and violet pastille flavors that are complemented by suggestions of mocha, smoked meat and exotic spices. Distinctly generous in character, but there’s also superb energy thanks to a core of juicy acidity. Sweet dark fruit and candied violet notes drive the finish, which features steadily building tannins and shows remarkable tenacity. (JR – July 2021)
97 points | Wine Enthusiast
From a solid vintage in South Australia, this wine seamlessly weaves together notes of Italian plum, black cherry, mocha, cigar box and a plethora of herbs and spices. The palate is chiseled, all rippling, *Cellar Selection* (CP) glistening muscles, but without the top heaviness. Ultrafine tannins cinch vibrant fruit while that cigar box element lingers on the lengthy finish. *Cellar Selection* (CP – March 2021)
97 points | Wine Spectator
A dynamic and distinctive red, balancing dark bass notes and fresh fruit. Dark chocolate–covered maraschino cherry and chai tea flavors form the core, but waves of white truffle, spicy cigar, gunpowder, white pepper, dried lavender, salted caramel, framboise and roasted almond are right behind. Dense, velvety tannins firm up on the finish, but the flavors are seamless and harmonious. (MW – Nov 2020)
18.5++ Points | Jancis Robinson
Very, very dark, concentrated, blackish purple. Almost more of a decongestant than a wine. Goes straight up the nose rather than offering a complex array of different aromas. Very sweet, round and gently textured initially so that only after a while do you become aware of the massive tannins underneath – really massive! But clearly a great deal of work has been done on smoothing the tannins. Concentrated but not exaggerated. Sweet and smooth with a hint of camphor. Salt and spice, and drier than some Granges at this early stage. But such a baby!!! 18.5++/20 Points (JR – July 2020)

£2,650.00 – £3,567.61

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Penfolds Grange, a powerful example of Penfolds’ multi-vineyard, multi-district blending approach, is among Australia’s most iconic wines. Recognized as a Heritage Icon of South Australia, Grange is crafted from fully-ripe, intensely-flavoured Shiraz grapes, showcasing a unique style that stands among the world’s finest wines. Since the 1951 experimental vintage, Grange has consistently displayed the harmony of Shiraz with South Australia’s diverse soils and climates.

Tasting Note

Colour – Bright, deep red with iris-purple at the rim.

Nose – A fusion of preserved figs, black plum, blackberry and black liquorice flirts with an aromatic elution of fish oil, anchovy, soy and sesame/nori. Nascent scents of toasted charred meats (rotisserie rib of beef?), rendered fat/marrow … An uplifting freshness and higher notes are liberated with air – awakened scents akin to cola, Chinotto, aniseed, root beer. Camouflaged (new!) oak has to be proactively sought out, verified. Strikes a Grange stylistic bullseye, all boxes ticked.

Palate – A retronasal transfer of the aromatics listed above converge to similarly adorn the palate. Full-bodied – turbo-propelled by a V.A./formic mix, affording attaque and grip, yet respectful of balance and style. Custom-fitted with impressive density and length – all dark and black, harmonious. Oak conceded – absorbed, compliant – effortlessly merging with blue and black fruits and dark chocolate/mocha notes. Solid, malleable tannins, with an exacting acid coupling, serve to polish and elevate; no doubt soon to preserve. Energetic, focussed. Much still to reveal …

Maturation

18 months in American oak hogsheads (100% new)

Vintage Conditions
Dry, cool conditions marked autumn and winter across South Australia. Rainfall stayed below the long-term average through spring and summer, slightly delaying the growing season in warmer districts. Early summer warmth and abundant sunshine helped Shiraz vines develop healthy canopies and solid bunch sets. Late January and early February rains provided welcome relief, boosting yield forecasts across the state.

Late summer and early autumn brought ideal conditions, allowing grapes to ripen evenly with rich flavors and firm tannins. Both yield and quality excelled in the Barossa Valley and Clare Valley harvests. McLaren Vale experienced only a few days over 40°C in December, with no heatwaves from veraison to harvest. Mild weather at Magill Estate vineyard also supported even ripening across its three blocks. Workers handpicked the Magill Estate grapes on February 11th and 12th.

For more information about Penfolds wines click here or visit their website here.

Vintage

2016
Varietals

97% Shiraz, 3% Cabernet Sauvignon
Country

Australia
Region

Barossa Valley (including Kalimna Vineyard), McLaren Vale and Clare Valley with a 1 percent contribution from Magill Estate.
Alcohol by Volume

14.5%
Cellaring Potential

Drinking well, but will improve with time. Peak drinking 2030 to 2070.

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