Jeremy Oliver Rating 96!
Campbell Mattinson 96 points!
No other red wine in Australia can rival the reputation, consistent quality or proven development pattern of Penfolds Grange. The pinnacle of the Penfolds red wine range, Grange is a rich, opulent, full-bodied Shiraz, destined for a long cellar life. The winemaking process involves great attention to detail; from selecting the best possible grapes sourced from low-yielding, old Shiraz vines through to fermentation and fastidious oak maturation. The unique and distinctive Grange style is based on ripe Shiraz fruit and stylish American oak in fine harmony.
The 1983 Grange is predominantly Shiraz with a small amount (6%) of Cabernet Sauvignon.
This vintage was seriously affected by the 1982 drought, less by the devastating Ash Wednesday bushfires and March flooding. Summer rainfall was a little more than half the average, following by record rains in March.
Matured in new American oak hogsheads for 20 months. Very deep black cherry red. Dense, powerful dark chocolate/spice/plum/briar and mint aromas with some oak-derived coconut.
A highly concentrated wine showing pronounced extract and tannins balanced with sweet plummy fruit and showing some 'cigar box' characters. Alc/Vol: 13.3%. Peak drinking period now until 2020. Notes sourced from Penfolds.
"The earliest harvest on record at Penfolds, the 1983 vintage was characterized by devastating bush fires, followed by enormous flooding in March. A blend of 94% Shiraz and 6% Cabernet Sauvignon, the wine has a surprisingly low pH (3.41) for a Grange, with an amazing 7.1 grams of acid per liter. The wine still shows considerable tannin in its flavors, but enormously powerful, rich, high acid characteristics. It is somewhat of a paradox to taste. Five years ago, it was exhibiting huge, powerful, concentrated flavors, but also high acid and high tannin. The wine seems very youthful, very backward, and still in need of at least another 4-5 years of cellaring. Whether it will all come together in a seamless classic remains open to conjecture. Anticipated maturity: 2006-2020."
eRobertParker Only (Feb 2002)
Campbell Mattinson 96 points!"Mighty form. A port of power, monumentally tannic but with all the glorious aged fruit to rumble with it. Minted leather, but sexily interwoven. Oak has taken its leave. Champion wine."
Campbell Mattinson, Wine Front August " October 2007
Country:
Australia
Region:
SA-(Other)
Variety:
Wine Red - Shiraz
Size:
1500mL
