Penfolds Grange 2018 | South Australia | Gift Boxed

Penfolds Grange 2018 | South Australia | Gift BoxedPenfolds Grange 2018 is one of the most universally acclaimed releases in the wines history awarded a perfect 100 points by seven independent critics, including Andrew Caillard MW, Ken Gargett (World of Fine Wine), Nick Stock (JamesSuckling. com), Tony Love, Lisa Perrotti Brown, Anders Enquist (Livets Goda), and Wilfred Wong (Wine. com). A blend of Shiraz (97%) and Cabernet Sauvignon (3%) sourced from Barossa Valley, McLaren Vale, and Clare Valley,

Penfolds Grange 2018 is one of the most universally acclaimed releases in the wine’s history — awarded a perfect 100 points by seven independent critics, including Andrew Caillard MW, Ken Gargett (World of Fine Wine), Nick Stock (JamesSuckling.com), Tony Love, Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Anders Enquist (Livets Goda), and Wilfred Wong (Wine.com). A blend of Shiraz (97%) and Cabernet Sauvignon (3%) sourced from Barossa Valley, McLaren Vale, and Clare Valley, the 2018 Grange is truly alive — a wine of extraordinary depth, tannin structure, and longevity that transforms with every minute of air. As Peter Gago reflects: “’78, ’98 and ’08 Granges… three favourites. The 2018 Grange? Just graduated, add to the list!” Peak drinking 2028 to 2068.

Appearance

Radiant deep red on the rim with a black core — brooding, concentrated, and commanding in the glass.

Aroma

So definitively Grange. An immediate assault of piercing volatile acidity — masterfully dialled up — a portal of pulsating formics tempered by relaxed barrel-ferment notes. Waves of lingering and layered aromatics follow: ripe blackberries and blackcurrant reduction laced with fennel and anise; dark chocolate, cocoa powder, and cola; charcoaled lamb fat and raw wagyu carpaccio amid caper berries authenticate the Shiraz DNA. A modicum of modesty attempts to conceal all beneath a blackened veil of hydrocarbon shoe polish, sootiness, and coal dust. A subtle yet complexing higher-tone mahogany and piano polish lacquer — derived from the earth, not the oak — completes a bouquet of extraordinary intrigue. A trepidant tension unfolds: youthful fruitiness wrestling an inky and dense powerhouse.

Palate

Balance and shape — classy and poised, yet unmistakably Grange. Familial flavours of a deconstructed Black Forest cake and trifle — chocolate, custard, bright wild raspberry, and redcurrant. Mushroom pâté and duxelles with a beefy accompaniment, sarsaparilla whirled into the mix, and an assortment of fresh red and black liquorice straight out of the bag. A tactile overdose — omnipresent and even tannins, mouthcoating — a confluence of tannin, acidity, oak, and fruit all joyously meshed together. A convex mid-palate with a strong core generously supports upfront palate grip and a continuum of delight all the way to a lengthy, lingering finish. Truly alive. Upon sitting and with air, all transforms. A second revised tasting note can definitely wait — there will be ample opportunity over the next half-century.

Pairs With

Aged prime beef, slow-roasted lamb, game, truffle-based dishes, and the finest hard cheeses. A wine that demands a table — and a half-century — of equal ambition.

Reviews

100 Points — Andrew Caillard MW
100 Points — Ken Gargett, World of Fine Wine
100 Points — Nick Stock, JamesSuckling.com
100 Points — Tony Love
100 Points — Lisa Perrotti-Brown
100 Points — Anders Enquist, Livets Goda
100 Points — Wilfred Wong, Wine.com

“Overheard: ‘We’ve been waiting for this one!’ No expectations at all. Really?!? ’78, ’98 and ’08 Granges… three favourites. The 2018 Grange? Just graduated, add to the list!”
— Peter Gago, Penfolds Chief Winemaker