Penfolds Grange 2004

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 climates of South Australia. 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 recognised 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.



VINEYARD REGION: Barossa Valley, McLaren Vale, Magill.



VINTAGE CONDITIONS: Above-average winter rainfall led into a promising vintage, characterised by mild conditions up until February, followed by warmer weather conditions throughout March and April. Penfolds' South Australian vineyards fared well, producing wines of elegance and intensity.



GRAPE VARIETY: 96% Shiraz, 4% Cabernet Sauvignon



MATURATION: This wine was matured for 16 months in 100% new American oak hogsheads.



WINE ANALYSIS Alc/Vol: 14.3% Acidity: 7.0g/L pH: 3.61



PEAK DRINKING: 2016 to 2050.



FOOD MATCHES: Rare roasted aged fillet with a red wine reduction.



COLOUR: Dark, deep red (at 5 years of age).



NOSE: Enticingly fragrant, yet at once 'Grange' - elements of cola, bay-leaf, malt, Indian spices & 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 & fruit. Impressive.



PALATE: Seamless redefined. Classic Grange structure - tight, defined & balanced, with 'slatey' / sandy tannins. Saturated fruits - 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.  Intense, powerful