Penfolds - Australie Méridionale Grange 2019

Decanter

About the wine:

It’s no easy task to follow up on the monumental 2018 Grange, which, when first released at 1,000 Australian dollars, received a host 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 isn’t as spectacular as the 2018 was upon its release, but if it resembles the 1999 when it reaches its peak in 20 years, patience will be rewarded. The imposing structure, concentration, and brilliance of new American oak remain its hallmark. But the most powerful wine in the Penfolds stable—officially Bin 95—has nevertheless become increasingly approachable in recent vintages, and this 2019 is no exception (though “approachable” remains a relative term for a wine that has 40 to 50 years ahead of it). Initial aromas of chinotto and kirsch give way to spicy licorice, fresh cedar, and more savory, earthy notes. The palate is powerful: a bold, velvety espresso coated in oak and ripe black berries, plum pudding, rosemary, charcuterie, and balancing acidity. A blend of grapes 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 the wine:

This is an epic wine that never ceases to impress, opening with ripe, full-bodied flavors of black cherry, maraschino cherry, and raspberry. But the fruity notes are just the beginning, giving way to date-walnut cake, salty bittersweet chocolate, marzipan, dried olive, green pepper, French coffee, and cardamom. The tannins fill the mouth but never hinder the complexity, while the finish keeps getting longer and longer. Enjoy now through 2047.

Jancis Robinson

About the wine:

Very deep purple. Intense and concentrated, but too young to be very expressive. Massive! So concentrated that it’s almost bursting at the seams of its makeshift corset. There is a certain structure 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 the 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 aromas of cola, blackberry, and terracotta, all well supported by toasted coconut oak. With a full-bodied, expansive, and seriously tannic palate, it then delivers waves of dark berry flavors accented by hints of spice, leading to a rich and muscular finish. It is built for the long haul, so don’t even think about opening it for at least a decade. 2035–2055

James Suckling

About the wine:

Dark, excellent, and flawless. The oak integration and tannic precision are top-notch. Beneath the surface lies a latent, mellow beauty that will eventually reveal itself. I love this Grange. I think the decadent, mellow, and full-bodied style is well-suited to this 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 cured meat lingering on the long finish. Best from 2030.

Tastingbook - Markus Del Monego