Wine Advisor
Penfolds, Grange Bin 95 2000
Description
Tasting notes
Reviewed by: Robert M. Parker, Jr.
Produced from 100% Shiraz, the 2000 Grange was adversely affected by unusual rains in late February and early March, which disrupted the ripening as well as the harvest. The winemaking team at Grange thinks it will be a medium-weight example to drink early. It reveals a deep ruby/purple color, sweet black currant flavors, and plenty of charm, seductiveness, and purity. It should be approachable when released in 2006. Anticipated maturity: 2006-2018. (Not yet released) Importer: Southcorp Wines, The Americas, Napa, CA; tel. (707) 258-8755
Reviewed by: Robert M. Parker, Jr.
A 100% Shiraz cuvee, the unusual rains in late February and early March disrupted the ripening and harvesting. The winemaking team at Grange thinks it will be a medium-weight Grange to drink early. Certainly the wine showed deep ruby/purple color, sweet black currant flavors, and plenty of charm, seductiveness, and exceptional purity. This wine should be very approachable when released in four years. Anticipated maturity: 2005-2016. Imported by Southcorp Wines North America, Monterey, CA; tel. (408) 655-4848.
Reviewed by: Robert M. Parker, Jr.
Penfolds’ renowned 2000 Grange is only the fifth vintage to be made from 100% Shiraz (the others being 1951, 1952, 1963, and 1999). It is also, atypically, 100% Barossa fruit. While it is not considered to be one of the great Granges, the 2000 exhibits outstanding potential, and is much more accessible than usual. One of the top wines I tasted from this vintage (which has had to take a back seat to subsequent years), its dense ruby/purple color is followed by a big, sweet nose of blackberries, cherries, chocolate, and earth. With decent acidity, ripe, silky tannin, superb intensity, wonderful equilibrium, and a more open-knit, softer, accessible style than usual, it can be drunk now or cellared for 15-16 years. While this is no wimpy wine, it is an ideal example for readers who are unwilling to invest the patience required for the big, blockbuster Granges. Importer: PWG Vintners, Napa, CA; tel. (707) 996-4504
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.
