Winemaker Notes
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.
Professional Ratings
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.