The original and most powerful expression of Penfolds multi-vineyard, multi-district blending philosophy, Grange is arguably Australia’s most celebrated wine and is officially listed as a Heritage Icon of South Australia. Crafted utilising fully-ripe, intensely-flavoured and structured shiraz grapes, the result is a unique Australian style that is now recognised as one of the most consistent of the world’s great wines. With an unbroken line of vintages from the experimental 1951, Grange clearly demonstrates the synergy between shiraz and the soils and climates of South Australia.
2013 Penfolds Grange is another fabulous release of this highly sought, world class wine. The 2013 Penfolds Grange is a blend of shiraz (96%) and cabernet sauvignon (4%). Fruit used for this vintage was hand piked from premium vineyards in the Barossa Valley, McLaren Vale, Coonawarra wine regions and from Penfolds Magill Estate.
The 2013 vintage was a dry winter reminiscent of 2006. Vines were in water deficit at the beginning of spring and became accustomed to dry conditions quite early. The exception was McLaren Vale, where revitalising winter rainfall exceeded the long term average.Early bud burst was noticeable across many regions. Dry and warm spring conditions explained canopy growth and yields, becoming typical of the 2013 growing season. Warm days were dispersed throughout October, November and in early January, contributing to an early start to the 2013 harvest and a condensed vintage. Dry and warm conditions, coupled with lower than average yields resulted in fruit showing strong, structural tannins and wines of great intensity and encouraging flavour. The Magill Estate fruit was harvested in pristine condition, hand-picked on February 14th and 15th 2013.
Fruit used for Grange must posses that Penfolds Grange DNA. Penfolds Wine Makers spend many hours assessing and tasting individual parcels of wine before it is selected to be used in Penfolds Grange. The 2013 Penfolds Grange was matured in new American oak Hogsheads for 20 months.
This is a great Grange, make no mistake about it.