Penfolds Grange 2018

Volume: 750ml / ABV: 14.5%

Grange is Penfolds' most powerful expression of multi-vineyard, multi-district blending and is considered Australia’s most celebrated wine, officially recognized as a Heritage Icon of South Australia. Crafted from fully ripe, intensely flavored shiraz grapes, it embodies a unique Australian style known for its consistency among the world’s great wines. With an unbroken line of vintages since the experimental 1951, Grange showcases the synergy between shiraz and South Australia’s soils and climates.

Tasting Note

Nose

An immediate burst of piercing V.A. reveals waves of layered aromatics: ripe blackberries and blackcurrant reduction spiced with fennel and anise, followed by dark chocolate and cocoa powder. Scents of charcoaled lamb fat and raw wagyu carpaccio authenticate the shiraz DNA, complemented by subtle mahogany and lacquer notes from the earth. A tension unfolds as youthful fruitiness contends with an inky, dense powerhouse.

Palate

Familial flavors reminiscent of a deconstructed Black Forest Cake—chocolate, custard, wild raspberry, and redcurrant—are joined by subtle distractions like mushroom pâté and sarsaparilla. Fresh red and black liquorice add to the mix. The mouthfeel is a joyful blend of tannin, acidity, oak, and fruit, with a convex mid-palate supporting the upfront grip and leading to a lengthy finish. The wine feels truly alive, and its character evolves with air, promising ample tasting opportunities over the next half-century.