Penfolds
Grange South Australia Shiraz
South Australia, Australia
Opened and double decanted several hours prior to service; enjoyed over the course of a few hours. The 1997 Grange pours a deep purple color with an opaque core moving towards a ruby rim; medium+ viscosity with moderate staining of the tears. On the nose, the wine is developing with notes of ripe and tart black, red and some blue fruits: blackberries, raspberries, Fig Newtons, tobacco, purple flowers, cocoa, coffee, some mint and other green herbs as well as earth and baking spices. On the palate the wine is dry with medium+ tannin and medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is so long and there is remarkable density. I would say this is entering its early drinking window, but just barely. I find these wines need decades to shed their fat and really start to strut. Regardless, this is delicious now with a healthy decant and should drink well through 2057 without breaking a sweat.
Opened and double decanted several hours prior to service; enjoyed over the course of a few hours. The 1997 Grange pours a deep purple color with an opaque core moving towards a ruby rim; medium+ viscosity with moderate staining of the tears. On the nose, the wine is developing with notes of ripe and tart black, red and some blue fruits: blackberries, raspberries, Fig Newtons, tobacco, purple flowers, cocoa, coffee, some mint and other green herbs as well as earth and baking spices. On the palate the wine is dry with medium+ tannin and medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is so long and there is remarkable density. I would say this is entering its early drinking window, but just barely. I find these wines need decades to shed their fat and really start to strut. Regardless, this is delicious now with a healthy decant and should drink well through 2057 without breaking a sweat.
Jan 19th, 2025
In a double blind flight of Aussie Shiraz. No surprise that this was near the top. Our group called Oz Shiraz immediately on the flight. This was fresh and youthful, though fully mature.
In a double blind flight of Aussie Shiraz. No surprise that this was near the top. Our group called Oz Shiraz immediately on the flight. This was fresh and youthful, though fully mature.
Mar 21st, 2020
The nose is a little too open. Blue fruit, almost Bordeaux-like but with an American oak note. Nice balance- nice acidity
The nose is a little too open. Blue fruit, almost Bordeaux-like but with an American oak note. Nice balance- nice acidity
Jun 13th, 2018
I've been staring at this bottle for 13 years and have been wanting to open it up on several occasions. My patience ran out. This is definitely a Shiraz and definitely from Australia but with enough acid and tannin to carry it through so time could layer its tertiary flavors. At its prime now IMO
I've been staring at this bottle for 13 years and have been wanting to open it up on several occasions. My patience ran out. This is definitely a Shiraz and definitely from Australia but with enough acid and tannin to carry it through so time could layer its tertiary flavors. At its prime now IMO
Nov 20th, 2015Australia's most famous wine
Australia's most famous wine
Aug 29th, 2014
1997 vintage. One of the great wines of the world and the ‘97 is poppin’ currently. Oodles of structure with both plenty of finishing distance and fruit. Phenomenal.
1997 vintage. One of the great wines of the world and the ‘97 is poppin’ currently. Oodles of structure with both plenty of finishing distance and fruit. Phenomenal.
Oct 16th, 2022
Full flavoured grange. 50th birthday celebration which always makes it better.
Full flavoured grange. 50th birthday celebration which always makes it better.
Sep 29th, 2022