Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Wine Spectator
Magnificent, exotic, a veritable cascade of opulent flavors--earthy currant, black cherry and licorice--on a grand frame of incredible length, wrapped in finely grained tannins. Feels like it can age through 2010 or 2020, at least.--Penfolds Grange vertical. 8,000 cases made.
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 1990 Grange is supple and fresh, medium-bodied and highly attractive. This vintage heralded a price rise for this cuvée, and its reputation precedes it. The wine is still opening up in the glass but shows an attractive limpidity of character. It is elegant. I love this vintage. Interesting little tip: the 1989 Grange was the last vintage of Grange to be labeled as Grange Hermitage. The 1990 is labeled simply as Grange. However, authentic bottles (i.e., either original, as released, or not recorked) of the 1990 feature a cork that reads "Grange Hermitage." It's an error in bottling, but time has rendered it a marker of validity/authenticity.
Since 1844, Penfolds has been grounded in experimentation, curiosity and uncompromising quality. Their success has been driven by a lineage of visionary winemakers. It began with Dr. Christopher and Mary Penfold, the pioneers who dreamed big, inventing tonics, brandies, and fortified wines made from grapes and Australian sunshine. It continued with celebrated winemaking legends including Max Schubert, who pushed the development to extraordinary, bold new heights. It is this pioneering spirit and curiosity that still rings true after nearly two centuries, it is what has helped Penfolds become one of the most celebrated winemakers in the world today.
Marked by an unmistakable deep purple hue and savory aromatics, Syrah makes an intense, powerful and often age-worthy red. Native to the Northern Rhône, Syrah achieves its maximum potential in the steep village of Hermitage and plays an important component in the Red Rhône Blends of the south, adding color and structure to Grenache and Mourvèdre. Syrah is the most widely planted grape of Australia and is important in California and Washington. Sommelier Secret—Such a synergy these three create together, the Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre trio often takes on the shorthand term, “GSM.”
South Australia is the historic heart of Australian wine, a great wine capital of the world, and home to some of the most famous regions. It produces more than 80% of Australia’s premium wine from some of the oldest vines in the world. There is an abundance of varieties and wide spectrum of styles to explore. From the rogue to refined, discover Australian wines that are far from ordinary.