Product Information:
A mesmerising release, 1996 is one of the classic vintages right up there with 1990, 1991 & 1998. The nose is a fusion of blackcurrants, blueberry and boysenberry fruits lavished with cinnamon and sweet spices. The palate is archetypal Grange - concentration, power, flavour and balance. Masses of berried fruits, with a blueberry fruit core. Developing roasted chestnut and fresh barrel fermentation richness in the background. Outstanding.
By legendary winemaker John Duval this vintage is comprised of Shiraz (94%), Cabernet Sauvignon (6%); matured in 100% new American oak for 19 months.
Combining traditional Australian techniques, inspiration from Europe and precision winemaking practices developed at Penfolds, Max Schubert made his first experimental wine in 1951. In 1957, Schubert was asked to show his efforts in Sydney to top management, invited wine identities and personal friends of the board. To his horror, the Grange experiment was universally disliked and Schubert was ordered to shut down the project. Max continued to craft his Grange vintages in secret, hiding three vintages '57, '58 and '59, in the depths of the cellars. Eventually, the Penfolds board ordered production of Grange to restart, just in time for the 1960 vintage. From then on, international acknowledgment and awards were bestowed on Grange, including the 1990 vintage of Grange, which was named Wine Spectator's Red Wine of the Year in 1995.
Maker:
Penfolds has been a pioneer in the world of winemaking since its establishment in 1844 by Dr. Christopher and Mary Penfold. The company's success has been driven by a lineage of visionary winemakers who have pushed the development of the company to extraordinary, bold new heights. Mary Penfold's reign at the helm of Penfolds saw years of determination and endeavour, experimenting with new methods in wine production. In 1948, Max Schubert became the company's first Chief Winemaker and he propelled Penfolds onto the global stage with his experimentation of long-lasting wines - the creation of Penfolds Grange in the 1950s. Soon, the medals began flowing, and Grange quickly became one of the most revered wines around the world. In 2012, Penfolds released its most innovative project to date - 12 handcrafted ampoules of the rare 2004 Kalimna Block Cabernet Sauvignon. Today, Penfolds continues to hold dear the philosophies and legends that have driven the company's success since its establishment in 1844.
Vineyards:
An exceptional vintage both in quality and quantity. After the drought conditions in 1995, much needed rains replenished the soils during the winter across most of South Australia. The growing season was dry and mild, allowing the grapes to set and mature slowly resulting in ripe, complex, elegant fruit.
Nose - Smoky, Blackberry, Roast Chestnut
Bouquet explodes from the glass with toasty, nutty, smoky oak and blackberry aromas, and coffee/mocha nuances, laced with traces of tar.
Palate - Powerful, Plum-Fruit, Choc-Vanilla Richness
The palate is mesmerising: amazingly powerful, concentrated and intense, yet never heavy nor clumsy.
Finish - Resonating, Toast, Sweet Spices
Gorgeous plum-fruit depth, choc-and-vanilla richness, sumptuous depth and length and a terrific pull of tight, ploughing, statuesque tannins.
An outstanding bottle of an outstanding vintage. The colour is still youthful, deep and bright; the bouquet explodes from the glass with toasty, nutty, smoky oak and blackberry aromas, and coffee/mocha nuances, laced with traces of tar, licorice and even crushed-ants. The palate is mesmerising: amazingly powerful, concentrated and intense, yet never heavy nor clumsy. It has amazing presence, and is incredibly long, resonating for minutes after the wine has left the mouth. Undoubtedly a great Grange, still quite youthful at 21 years and will still be drinking superbly at 50, such is its vitality. - Huon Hooke, The Real Review, 98 Points.
Perfectly profound Grange. As bouncingly youthful as can be imagined – though remarkably approachable too. Gorgeous plum-fruit depth, choc-and-vanilla richness, sumptuous depth and length and a terrific pull of tight, ploughing, statuesque tannins. Impeccable South Australian shiraz. - Campbell Mattison, The Wine Front, 97 Points.
The Finer Details
Style - Red Wine
Varietal - Shiraz 94%, Cabernet Sauvignon 6%
Country - Australia
Region - Barossa Valley, South Australia
Vintage - 1996
Bottle Size - 750ml
ABV - 14%
Closure - Cork
Cellaring Potential - To 2050
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