Penfolds Bin 95 Grange Shiraz 1996

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.