Served alongside the 1996 with which it was quite similar. In fact this was the only couple with obvious similarity. Eukalyptus, leather, camphor, some barnyard scents and blueberry on the nose. Medium to full-bodied, sweet fruit, silky tannins and balancing acidity. Long aftertaste. The most typical aussie shiraz of the line-up.
Very similar to the 1997 but more complex. Eukalyptus, camphor, blueberry, floral and spicy notes alongside raspberry and cumin. Full-bodied, silky-textured, balanced and long. At a great stage to enjoy now.
This is the third time I had this wine and it seemed to me somewhat tighter aromatically than when previously drank. Darker fruit and coffee with less botanical notes compared to the 1996 and 1997. Much more impressive on the palate than on the nose with an almost endless aftertaste.
Almost fully mature and very enjoyable but lacked the complexity and depth of vintages such as 2004, 2000 or even 1996. Some tertiary aromas of undergrowth and leather are evident. Long aftertaste.
This was supposed to be one of the stars of the night but it proved otherwise. It was served alongside the theoretically inferior 2000, but the latter was much more enjoyable and open for busyness at this stage. Maybe the tightest of all the Granges served, and the one in need of longer cellaring. Still very powerful on the palate and with all the components that promise a bright future.
Probably the most pleasent surprise of the night. Complex and expressive nose, balance and -relatively speaking- on the elegant side for a Grange. Great pairing with duck raghou papardellas with truffle and Peru cocoa. Very enjoyable already with good aging potential.
Hands down the wine of the night. A shadow away from perfection. Extremely complex and already enjoyable, with a bright future. Very long aftertaste. No formal notes taken, but almost everybody agreed that this was the greatest among greats. A perfect combination of power, complexity and balance.
1997 Penfolds Grange 94 Points
Australia, South Australia
Served alongside the 1996 with which it was quite similar. In fact this was the only couple with obvious similarity. Eukalyptus, leather, camphor, some barnyard scents and blueberry on the nose. Medium to full-bodied, sweet fruit, silky tannins and balancing acidity. Long aftertaste. The most typical aussie shiraz of the line-up.
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1996 Penfolds Grange 95 Points
Australia, South Australia
Very similar to the 1997 but more complex. Eukalyptus, camphor, blueberry, floral and spicy notes alongside raspberry and cumin. Full-bodied, silky-textured, balanced and long. At a great stage to enjoy now.
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