Wine Advisor
Penfolds, Grange Bin 95 1996
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Description
Tasting notes
Reviewed by: Neal Martin
Tasted at the Fine Wine Experience “Dream Fourteen” tasting with Peter Gago. Sourced directly from Penfolds’ library reserves, the Grange ’96 is a blend of 94% Shiraz and 6% Cabernet. It has a deep garnet core with a ruby rim, still youthful in appearance. The nose has moderate intensity: black cherries, plum, orange rind, some tertiary elements developing with time, quite compact and despite vigorous coaxing it does not blossom or reveal hidden nuances. There is a slight bitterness on the entry: racy citrus fruit inflecting glossy fruit profile of redcurrant, kirsch and liquorices. A little volatility towards the finish, tangy, honeyed notes, touches of eucalyptus once again, quite firm structure. At present it is difficult to discern what exactly the Grange ’96 wants to say…if anything at all? Lend this another few years in the cellar. Drink 2016-2030. Tasted October 2009.
Reviewed by: Lisa Perrotti-Brown
Deep garnet colored, 1996 Grange is scented with stewed plums, warm cherries and mince meat with hints of Ceylon tea, black olives and Chinese five spice. Medium-full bodied and with a generous amount of flesh on the palate, it gives very crisp acid and a medium-firm level of grainy tannins, finishing long. The layered complexity of this wine is just beginning to emerge, promising better things to come.
Reviewed by: Robert M. Parker, Jr.
The 1996 Grange is not the blockbuster it can be in the greatest vintages. At one time, this was the most renowned wine produced in Australia. While this remains one of Australia's finest wines, it has plenty of competition. The dense ruby/purple-colored 1996 Grange exhibits aromas of sweet blackberry/cassis, tar, licorice, and spice. Medium to full-bodied, with sweet tannin, a velvety texture, and surprising elegance, it should age effortlessly for 15-20 years. Importer: Southcorp Wines North America, Monterey, CA; tel. (408) 655-4848
Reviewed by: Robert M. Parker, Jr.
This dark purple-colored wine exhibits notes of sweet plum, blackberry, and cassis intermixed with some licorice, chocolate, and espresso. It is a blend of 94% Shiraz and 6% Cabernet Sauvignon that tips the scales at 14+% alcohol. The wine is layered, unctuously textured, full-bodied with tremendous intensity, moderately high tannin, and a 40-second finish. The wine needs a good 4-5 years of cellaring. Anticipated maturity: 2006-2025. This Grange should ultimately merit a higher score when it is closer to its plateau of drinkability. Imported by Southcorp Wines North America, Monterey, CA; tel. (408) 655-4848.
About the Producer
Since 1844, Penfolds has played a pivotal role in the evolution of wine making with a history and heritage that profoundly reflects Australia’s journey from colonial settlement to the modern era. Penfolds collection of benchmark wines were established in a spirit of innovation and the constant and endless pursuit of quality, evidenced from the secret bottling of Grange in 1951 and the unbroken line of vintages of what is now arguably Australia’s most iconic red wine. Today, the collection continues to display the distinctive and consistently recognisable Penfolds ‘House Style’; the ultimate expression of Penfolds time-honoured tradition of sourcing the best fruit from the best regions. Historic blends, significant milestones and heritage vineyards have been honoured by a lineage of custodians whose courage and imagination, precision and humility have ensured Penfolds remains true to its original values while remaining relevant for current and future generations. The stories and philosophies behind each label bring a timeless quality, making Penfolds wines special and compelling for collectors and drinkers the world over.
1967(1)1987(1)1989(1)1995(1)
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