Penfolds Grange 2004

Also arrived yesterday is the Penfolds Grange 2004 vintage, and the Penfolds Magill Estate 2006.
Penfolds Grange is arguably Australia's most famous wine, and is officially listed as a Heritage Icon of South Australia. Grange boasts an unbroken line of vintages from the experimental 1951, and clearly demonstrates the synergy between Shiraz and the soils and climate of South Australia.

For more info:http://www.penfolds.com/wines/luxury/default.asp

Penfolds Grange displays fully-ripe intensely flavoured and textured Shiraz grapes in combination with new American oak. The result is a unique Australian style that is now recognized as one of the most consistent of the world's great wines. The Grange style is the original and most powerful expression of Penfolds multi-vineyard, multi-district blending philosophy.

"The wait for this Grange release has truly been worthwhile- arguably the finest vintage since Mother Nature's endowment of a number of stellar 1990s vintages. Just how good a vintage only time will tell, but all current indicators auger well. Certainly stylistically in the mould of the wonderful 1990 and 1996 vintages." Peter Gago, Penfolds Chief Winemaker.

"Deep dark red (at 5 years of age). The nose is enticingly fragrant, yet at once Grange- elements of cola, bay leaf, malt, Indian spices and nougat. An ethereal Oriental lift of glazed Peking Duck is interspersed with fermented black Chinese tea. Oak at one with the wine, other aromatics unite to create a continuum of spice and fruit. Impressive. The palate is seamless redefined. Classic Grange structure- tight, defined and balanced with slate-y, sandy tannins. Saturated fruits with blackberry and concentrated Satsuma plum skin. A darkened flavour theme of chocolate, liquorice and fermented black Chinese tea mask any overt presence of new oak, courting a long effortless finish.
Pair with rare roasted aged fillet with a red wine reduction. Best from 2016 to 2050."

The Penfolds Magill Estate Shiraz comes from a vineyard that is historic and heritage protected, and one of the only single vineyards in the world located within city boundaries (near Adelaide). The fruit is crushed, fermented and matured at the original Penfolds Magill winery, established in 1844.

The 2006 vintage is "dark red to the rim. The nose is perfumed and sweeter with air- potpourri florals, cola and nut, fig/quince paste nuances. The palate is full of small dark fruits- cranberry redcurrant, dark cherry alongside green olive with mocha/malt. Surprisingly succulent and juicy with smokey barrel ferment notes, fresh tobacco and cedar. pair with duck confit. Best from 2012-2030." Peter Gago, Penfolds Chief Winemaker.