Grange is an icon, being both Australia's and Penfolds' flagship wine. Grange boasts an unbroken line of vintages from the experimental 1951 and clearly demonstrates the synergy between Shiraz and the soils and climate of South Australia. Penfolds Grange displays fully ripe, intensely flavoured and textured Shiraz grapes in combination with new American oak. The result is a unique Australian style that is now recognised as the most consistent of the world's great wines. The Grange style is the original and most powerful expression of Penfolds' multi-vineyard, multi-district blending philosophy. Packaged in laser-etched bottles with identification numbers since the 1994 vintage. Regional Source: Kalimna, Barossa Valley, McLaren Vale, Adelaide (Magill) and Padthaway. Vintage conditions: An exceptional vintage in both quality and quantity. Good winter rain was followed by generally warm to mild and dry conditions throughout South Australia. Vintage was orderly and there was little or no disease. Grape variety: Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon Oak maturation: 19 months in new American oak. Winemaker: John Duval Colour: Vibrant plum red. Nose: A fusion of cinnamon and mixed spices with blackcurrant, blueberry and boysenberry fruit; savoury, underlying aromas of earth, cold tea and roast chestnuts; plus barrel-ferment richness. Palate: Archetypal young Grange with concentration, balance and powerful berry fruit flavours, with blueberry at the core. Tight and structured, although the thick, ripe tannins are shrouded beneath a veil of opulent fruit. Excellent length and persistence of flavour and masterful handling of oak. A very fine Grange that will confidently sit alongside the great 1990. Peak drinking: 2010-2030

Rating: 92/100 - As reviewed by International Wine Cellar in Issue 97, July/August 2001. Ruby-red. Complex, high-toned, oak-driven aromas of mocha, flowers, spices, bourbon, peat, licorice, vanilla, cigar tobacco and earth. Juicy and penetrating, with strong mineral, lead pencil, espresso and tobacco flavors. Has a solid backbone and noteworthy grip, but shows no hard edges. Finishes with big, ripe tannins and excellent length.

Superb 96/100

Unbelievable