Penfolds - Australie Méridionale Grange 2019

Decanter

About wine:

It's not easy to follow the monumental 2018 Grange, which sold for the first time at AUD 1,000 and received a multitude of perfect scores. Winemaker Peter Gago considers the 1989, 1999, and 2009 vintages to be "sleeping vintages" and therefore advises against making any rash judgments about this 2019. Admittedly, it is not as spectacular as the 2018 when it was released, but if it resembles the 1999 when it reaches its peak in 20 years' time, patience will be rewarded. The imposing structure, concentration, and brightness of new American oak remain the hallmark. However, the most powerful wine in the Penfolds stable—officially Bin 95—has become increasingly accessible in recent vintages, and this 2019 is no exception (although accessible remains a relative term for a wine that has 40 to 50 years ahead of it). Initial aromas of chinotto and kirsch lead to spicy licorice, fresh cedar, and more savory, earthy tones. The palate is powerful: bold, mellow espresso overlaid with oak and ripe black berries, plum pudding, rosemary, charcuterie, and balancing acidity. A blend of fruit from the Barossa Valley, McLaren Vale, Coonawarra, and Clare Valley, aged for 19 months in new American oak barrels. 2029-2065

Robert Parker - Wine Advocate

Wine Spectator

About wine:

This is an epic wine that never stops, opening with ripe, fleshy flavors of black cherry, maraschino cherry, and raspberry. But the fruity notes are just the beginning, giving way to date-nut cake, bittersweet salted chocolate, marzipan, dried olives, green pepper, French coffee, and cardamom. The tannins fill the mouth but never hinder the complexity, while the finish continues to lengthen. Drink now through 2047.

Jancis Robinson

About wine:

Very dark purple. Head-spinning and concentrated, but too young to be very expressive. Massive! So concentrated that it's almost bursting at the seams of its corset-like attempt at restraint. There is a certain framework desperately trying to contain this exuberant fruit. It's wonderful what they manage to do with the blend, and it's quite impressive and exciting. 2028-2050

Vinous

About wine:

Grange 2019 (97% Shiraz, 3% Cabernet Sauvignon), bold and expansive, spent 19 months in large new American oak barrels. It is powerful and expressive, delivering a dense core of cola, blackberry, and terracotta aromas, all well supported by toasted coconut oak. With a full, expansive and seriously tannic palate, it then delivers waves of dark berry flavors accented with hints of spice, leading to a rich and muscular finish. It is built for the long term, so don't even think about opening it for at least a decade. 2035-2055

James Suckling

About wine:

Dark, excellent, and impeccable. The oak aging and tannic precision are top-notch. Beneath lies a latent, mellow beauty that will eventually reveal itself. I love this Grange. I think the decadent, mellow, and fleshy style is well suited to the dry vintage and its thick, tannic grape skins. Fortunately, the tannins are supple and, despite everything, very juicy. The aromas of raspberry liqueur, camphor, and gunpowder are a veritable fireworks display, with a touch of black olive, licorella, and hung meat floating on the long finish. Best from 2030.

Tastingbook - Markus Del Monego