When it comes to the greatest names in the world of wine, Penfolds is a producer so transcendent that its top bottles are measured not against their peers in Australia but alongside legendary names from across the globe. Their flagship wine, Grange, is without a doubt one of the most storied bottles in the world and anchors some of its most bespoke collections. Inspired by the wines of Bordeaux and the Rhône, winemaker Max Schubert returned to Australia in the early 1950s after a lengthy trip to Europe and decided to make a Syrah-based cuvée he named Grange Hermitage. Following a less-than-enthusiastic reception in the market and despite Schubert's lofty ambitions, Penfolds' management instructed him to stop production in 1957 - an order he chose to ignore as he continued to make the wine in secret. As the bottles aged the full potential of this now legendary wine was realised, and management reversed course and production was officially restarted in 1960. Penfolds Grange (the "Hermitage" on the label was discontinued following the 1990 vintage) has since built a monumental reputation that places it among the longest lived and most collectible wines from any continent.
Today we are pleased to offer limited quantities of two wines from Penfolds. Firstly 2018 Penfolds Grange, an immensely promising wine, with multiple 100 point scores, it is poised to become one of the finest releases in recent decades. Secondly we have the 2019 Penfolds St Henri Shiraz. Unlike a lot of its peers, it is only aged in old oak letting the fruit shine. A favourite of reviewers, the 2019 vintage has received good consistent scores.
With this in mind we are pleased to offer the following wines
2018 Penfolds Grange
Cases 6 x 75cl @ £1995/6 IB
"100 points... "A robust Grange from a lauded vintage, this wields sheer power with such compelling prowess. Uncompromising Grange. There are rich blackberries and plums on offer, together with brazen oak and abundant notes of blackcurrants, black cherries, charcoal, cola and hard brown spices. So fleshy and intense. Dark-chocolate and cocoa-powder aromas and flavors here, too. The tannins are polished and long, extruding deep into the finish and holding endlessly. Dark chocolate, black cherry, dark plum and more. Impressive. Brazen. One of the great Granges that will drink magnificently for decades to come." - James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com
"100 points... "[The 2018 Grange] sports an opaque purple-black color, while the nose begins as an impenetrable wall of blueberry pie and blackberry preserves. Patience and vigorous swirling eventually unlock an underlying perfume of Indian spices, cedar chest, sassafras, fragrant soil, and cracked black peppercorns, with slowly emerging wafts of licorice, charcuterie, and rose oil. The assertive, full-bodied palate is taut and muscular, featuring very firm, super tight-knit tannins and seamless acidity, finishing long, long, long. Undoubtedly one of the great modern era Granges, this 2018 is like a hypothetical blend of the concentrated, powerful 2013, albeit with the latent expressiveness of the fabulously opulent, flamboyant 2008. Try to keep your hands off this multifaceted powerhouse for 10-15 years and then drink it over the next 50 years+ or bequeath it to your favored next of kin." - Lisa Perrotti-Brown, The Wine Independent
"99 points ... "This wine comes with high expectations—as does the vintage. The 2018 vintage across South Australia (and cheekily, we could probably extend the accolade to all of Australia) was excellent. It was warm, but without incident, and responsible for powerfully ripe, serious wines. Many producers made some of their best wines in this vintage. So here, to the 2018 Grange: there is spiced raspberry, lashings of salted licorice, red curry paste, layers of forest berries, rendered lamb fat and crushed pink peppercorns to start. In the mouth, the tannins close around the fruit with the same polish and seamlessness as the 2008, possibly the 2004? Very different vintages, but there is a textural similarity for me. This is polished and glossy and so very pretty. It contains 3% Cabernet Sauvignon this year, and 69% Barossa, 18% McLaren Vale and the balance from Clare Valley. Each of the regions brings with it its own characteristics. Barossa brings the red dirt, blood, deli meat and rust. McLaren Vale brings the plush purple fruits with a side of meat and licorice. Clare brings the polish, the opulence and the velvet texture. With their powers combined, this is an extraordinary Grange. One of the true greats, which will only get better as it ages." - Erin Larkin, Wine Advocate
2019 Penfolds St Henri Shiraz
Cases 6 x 75cl, @ £277/6 IB
97 points..."Immediately spicy and complex, this has a rich blackberry and dark-plum nose, together with dark-chocolate and tarry, earthy elements. The palate has a very rich, fleshy feel with such ripe dark-plum, dark-chocolate, blackberry and mulberry flavors on offer. Generous, yet balanced. A South Australian blend of McLaren Vale, Barossa Valley, Padthaway, Wrattonbully and The Peninsulas." - James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com
96 points...."The 2019 St Henri is made from 100% Shiraz from McLaren Vale, Barossa Valley, Padthaway, Wrattonbully, and The Peninsulas. As always, this wine saw no new oak and was aged 12 months in large, seasoned oak barrels. Very deep purple-black colored, it explodes with notes of blackberry pie, plum preserves, and blueberry compote, leading to suggestions of licorice, tar, and peppered salami with a waft of crushed rocks. Full-bodied, the palate is taut and firm at this youthful stage, featuring a backbone of rounded tannins and great freshness to support the generous black fruits, finishing with epic length. This forward, gregarious style of St Henri is delicious now. Still, I recommend waiting a couple of years, at least, for tertiary characters to inject a sense of gravitas into the party, then enjoy this wine over the next two decades." - Lisa Perrotti-Brown, The Wine Independent
96+ points...."The St Henri Shiraz is often one of my favorite reds in the Penfolds Collection, due to the ability of the fruit to shine through the fine sheath of oak that encases it. At this stage, and I know you will hear this often, the wine still represents good value. The 2019 St Henri Shiraz is elegantly structured, with the 2019 vintage showing the warmth and intensity without overstepping balance or line. Texturally, this will only increase in its silky shape, which comes with the gentle suggestion to decant this if you insist on drinking it within five years from harvest (i.e., anytime from now to 2024). This 2019 is shaped by abundant red and purple fruit (and a splash of blue), charry spice and fine tannins. Gorgeous." - Erin Larkin, Wine Advocate
