Penfolds, Grange Bin 95 2004

robert_parker93

Reviewed by: Neal Martin

Tasted at the Fine Wine Experience “Dream Fourteen” tasting with Peter Gago. A blend of 96% Shiraz and 4% Cabernet, the Grange ’04 has a limpid purple/garnet core and is almost opaque. Sourced directly from Penfolds’ library reserves, the bouquet is introverted at first, gradually unfolding in the glass to reveal a nascent decadence that will surely come to the fore in ten years time, with scents of fig, blackberry, black plum, liquorice, coca and a sprig of rosemary. The palate is beautifully balanced, very harmonious with great focus. There is a firm structure here and unbridled opulence that flirts with becoming over-powering and only considerable time can temper that. Great potential. Drink 2020-2040+ Tasted October 2009.

robert_parker98

Reviewed by: Lisa Perrotti-Brown

Medium-deep garnet colored with a tinge of purple, the 2004 Grange has a vibrant and expressive core of kirsch, black berries and black raspberries with nuances of fertile loam, underbrush, lavender, cinnamon stick, dark chocolate, cloves and vanilla pod. Concentrated and densely packed in the mouth, the American oak is still apparent at this very primary stage in its life with well balanced medium-high acidity, firm finely textured tannins and a very long finish. Coltishly appealing now, this Grange has all the hallmarks of a first class thoroughbred destined for the long run!

robert_parker98

Reviewed by: Lisa Perrotti-Brown

Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2004 Penfolds Grange offers a profound nose of black cherries, creme de cassis licorice and dark chocolate with suggestions of cedar and violets. Full bodied, ripe and voluptuous in the mouth, the generous flesh is well supported by medium to high acidity and a firm level of finely grained tannins, finishing long. It's seductively approachable now but has much more to give and should drink best 2015 to 2035+.

robert_parker99

Reviewed by: Jay S Miller

The 2004 vintage was outstanding in Barossa, McLaren Vale, and Magill, the regions where the grapes were sourced for the marvelous 2004 Grange. It contains 4% Cabernet Sauvignon and was aged for 16 months in 100% new American oak hogsheads. A glass-coating opaque purple color, it displays a superb nose of wood smoke, Asian spices, incense, game, blueberry, and blackberry liqueur. Medium to full-bodied, satin textured, with deeply layered, succulent blackberry, plum, and chocolate flavors, it has the structure and complexity to merit extended cellaring of a decade and more. The winery estimates a drinking curve of 2016 to 2050; I'd be a bit more conservative on the long end of the range. It will ultimately be seen as one of the great vintages of Grange. Importer: Southcorp Wines USA; www.penfolds.com.au

robert_parker94

Reviewed by: Joe Czerwinski

Gago opened two bottles of this wine, both of which showed signs of past seepage, hence my question mark after the rating. I suspect pristine bottles will show better than these did. A bit mossy and sullen, the 2004 Grange is going through a cranky adolescence. Mocha, cedar and dark fruit on the nose are echoed on the palate of this full-bodied, concentrated wine. It's dark and rich, just needs another 5-6 years to emerge on the other side.

vinous96

Reviewed by: Josh Raynolds

(96% shiraz and 4% cabernet sauvignon) Powerful aromas of cassis, blackberry and bitter cherry are complemented by exotic notes of smoky peat, pipe tobacco, violet oil and fresh blood. Deeply concentrated cherry skin and blackcurrant flavors are underscored by a strong mineral quality, with a sexy floral element gaining strength with air. The minerality builds on the finish, which leaves a wide swath of spice and earth notes in its wake. This wine's marriage of depth, spiciness, fruit, meatiness and minerality is extremely impressive.