2015 Penfolds Bin 95 Grange Shiraz 750ml

Critic tasting note: (2015 vintage) “This vintage of the famed wine is perhaps its most approachable to date. The nose is open and expressive, with waves of aromas ranging from licorice, currant and plum to baking spice, furniture polish, freshly picked olive, mushroom and vanilla. The mouthfeel is satiny in texture, awash with fruit and spices of all shapes and sizes, all wound by fine tannins. Drink through 2040. Christina Pickard” –97/100,Wine Enthusiast

Drinking Window: 2022 – 2050

Australia’s most celebrated wine, Penfolds Grange is the epitome of Australian wine royalty, and a heritage listed icon of South Australia. Max Schubert, the man responsible for the creation of Grange, first made what is now the flagship Australian wine back in 1951, and now has an unbroken line of vintages stretching over 60 years. Only the very best vineyard sites are utilised for the creation of Grange, the result of which can be seen in the 2009 vintage. Big, strong flavours of mocha and chocolate are intertwined with dark fruits like plums and blackberries. The tannins are firm and grippy in its youth, but are nothing but balanced and well integrated. Destined to go down as a classic Grange vintage that will reward the patient cellarer in spades.

Ageing: 20 months in new American oak hogsheads

Vintage Notes

Barossa Valley, McLaren Vale, Clare Valley, Magill Estate

Across South Australias premium growing regions, winter and early spring rainfall were close to the long-term average. From August, conditions became significantly drier with only a few light spring showers recorded. Record low rainfall was recorded from September to March stretching water supplies. Warm and dry conditions encouraged early flowering and fruit-set, with rapid canopy growth. Early summer temperatures dropped below average with no major heat waves recorded. Once harvest commenced, it progressed rapidly with most blocks of shiraz picked earlier than previous years. Although the prevailing conditions resulted in lower than anticipated yields, the quality of fruit was exceptional. A strong Penfolds vintage.