Penfolds Grange 2012

The original and most powerful expression of Penfolds multi-vineyard, multi-district blending philosophy, Grange is arguably Australia’s most celebrated wine and is officially listed as a Heritage Icon of South Australia. Crafted utilising fully-ripe, intensely-flavoured and structured shiraz grapes, the result is a unique Australian style that is now recognised as one of the most consistent of the world’s great wines. With an unbroken line of vintages from the experimental 1951, Grange clearly demonstrates the synergy between shiraz and the soils and climates of South Australia.

"Bottle no. AV697. This vintage was destined to be one of the greatest Granges. In the flesh it is majestically complex, superbly focused and intense, and wondrously balanced. It has every black fruit flavour known to man or woman, and will become more magical with each passing decade. Oh for a screwcap. Drink by 2062. 99 points James Halliday – Australian Wine Companion"

Deep colour. Intense paneforte, dark chocolate, dark blackberry aromas with lifted roasted chestnut, mocha, English-toffee aromas and notes of sweet tobacco, dried roses, shellac and frankincense. Superbly concentrated wine with wonderful presence, structure and density. Plush in scale yet possessing lovely energy and structure... Dense, expansive, rich and voluminous. All in perfect symmetry. A transcendent and powerfully expressive Grange harking back to Max Schubert's original blueprint. Its aromatic complexity, generosity and suppleness is reminiscent of the early 1960s. This has to be in the pantheon of all-time great vintages. Unbelievably good to drink now; a great indication of its lasting quality (but suggest you don't!). Leave it for a minimum of ten years, if you can. 2026-2080. 100 Points Andrew Caillard MW

(Barossa Valley & McLaren Vale) Very deep, dark red colour with a tinge of purple and a hint of black. Black olive, creosote, savoury, vanilla, chocolate and mocha aromas, touches of smoked smallgoods. The palate is full-bodied but it''s not a blockbuster. Soft and fleshy, smooth and supple, already showing a glimpse of the excitement and fascination that will follow in its maturity. The finish is all harmony, despite the flood of tannin: soft, savoury, powdery tannin. The components are all in great harmony so that no one feature stands out. The wine''s balance and seamlessness are impressive. I sense this could be a top-level Grange, and may score another point when it''s mature. 98+ Points Huon Hooke

99 Points, Tony Love, October 2016
98 Points, Tyson Stelzer, October 2016