Founded in 1844, Penfolds is one of the earliest wineries in Australia, helping shape the country’s nascent wine industry and ultimately defining Australian fine wine. While the historic estate achieved resounding success by the early 20th century, it was the pioneering influence of winemaker Max Schubert that transformed the company into an icon.
Max Schubert: The Man Who Defined Penfolds Grange
Upon joining Penfolds in 1948, Schubert traveled to Bordeaux and, inspired by the region’s top chateaux, set out to concoct a Grand Vin of his own, releasing “Grange Hermitage” (shortened to simply “Grange” in 1990) to the masses with the 1952 vintage. Surprisingly, the wine was received with negative reviews as the style was fashioned for ageability and not for youthful consumption, baffling the public and even causing the Penfiolds to halt production (though Schubert continued on in secret). Only years later would critics rethink their stance on the flagship bottling as time allowed the aromatics to evolve and show their full potential.
Penfolds Grange Wine: An Australian Icon
Typically a Shiraz (or syrah) based blend with Cabernet Sauvignon, “Grange” is a powerful style with persistent layers of spice and bold dark berries that reflect the warmth of Australia as well as the guiding hand of the winemaker. It sits apart from other top wines in the world as it emphatically upholds the virtues of blending, not only in varietal selection, but also in the choice of vineyard sites. Grapes are sourced from throughout South Australia, including from Magill Estate, the spiritual home of Grange, where Schubert ran his initial experiments. This philosophy allows Penfolds to showcase the winemaker’s craft, featuring only the finest grapes of the vintage in service of a consistent luxury product. This guarantee of high quality, even in more challenging years, has won Penfolds devotees amongst wine collectors and critics alike.
1998 Penfolds Grange
The 1998 Penfolds Grange has been labelled one of the estate's most legendary wines, rated 99-points on three separate occasions by Robert Parker. The vintage was grown in cool spring weather and a warm summer, resulting in fruit of intense flavor, and fine tannins and structure. Once blended and bottled, the wine showcased dark fruit and dark chocolate aromas with distinct toasty barrel and nut notes on the palate.
Today, the 1998 Penfolds Grange has finally entered its peak drinking window and is primed to age for at least 3 more decades. As stated by Robert Parker, it is "legendary" and "an all-time classic."
2012 Penfolds Grange
The 2012 Penfolds Grange comprises 98% Shiraz and 2% Cabernet Sauvignon, showcasing the estate's signature, rich, full-bodied profile. Its earthy nose and dried berry palate are balanced by hints of spice and pepper, becoming an incredibly complex cuvée and one of Penfolds' most sought-after young vintages.
The wine earned a 99-point rating from Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, further cemented by 98-point ratings from James Suckling and Decanter Magazine, respectively.
Acquire Penfolds Wine
Penfolds Grange represents the upper echelon of Australian wine, timeless and steady, always a shining example of the heights Australian wine can achieve. Schubert’s legacy lives on in these enduring styles with the seemingly endless ageability he was striving for in the 1950s. Upon his death in 1994, The New York Times emphasized Schubert’s lasting contribution, stating, “Grange Hermitage has won more prizes than any other Australian red wine and is regarded as the flagship of the country's wine industry.”
Browse our collection of Penfolds wines, each at competitive prices, and secure your bottle today.
What is so special about Penfolds Grange?
Penfolds Grange is special for its aromatic complexity, intensely rich fruit, ripe tannins, and nuanced American oak. What first began as an experimental wine in the 1950s has become Australia's blueprint.
Why is Grange so expensive?
Penfolds Grange is expensive due to the craft and expertise put into each vintage. The wine is a multi-vineyard blend and has become known as Australia's greatest and most famous wine, and the best Syrah outside of the Rhone.
What is poor man's Grange?
Penfolds Bin 389 is often considered the "poor man's Grange" or "baby Grange." The wine was created by Grange creator, Max Schubert, and the wine is matured in the same barrels that held the previous vintage of Grange
What are the best years for Penfolds Grange?
The best years of Penfolds Grange include: 1951, 1953, 1955, 1971, 1986, 1990, 2015, and 2018.
How long will Penfolds Grange last?
Penfolds Grange holds exceptional aging ability and is known to last for up to 50 years when properly stored.
