Penfolds Grange 1995

Grange's weight and concentration can be traced to rigorous selection of intensely-flavoured Shiraz grapes from mature vines in some of South Australia's finest vineyards. The quantity of Grange made each year is determined by the availability of grapes of the required quality and style. Penfolds multi-region, multi-vineyard blending policy enables winemakers to reduce the impact of vintage variation to the point where experts the world over consider Grange to be among the most consistent of the world's great wines.

Partial fermentation and 18 months of maturation in new American oak adds complexity and a vanilla-like sweetness. Grange receives almost four years of bottle age, moderating the raw power of youth and allowing the wine's components to begin a long process of integration and development.

Nose: Complex with masses of concentrated strawberry, raspberry and blackberry fruit aromas and hints of leather, dark chocolate and spice.

Palate: Displaying all the classic hallmarks one would expect of Grange, this is a full-bodied, richly-flavoured wine with ripe, dark stewed fruits and mixed spices with seamless, perfectly integrated oak and chewy tannins.

Serving and Cellaring suggestions: It is generally agreed that Grange begins to drink at its best 12 to 15 years from vintage date and can continue to improve in the bottle for years after that. The 1995 vintage is developing quicker than the more robust 1993 and 1994 vintages. It is the ultimate match with rich red meat dishes. Decant before serving.