2019 Penfolds, Grange Hermitage, South Australia, Bottle (750ml) [Gift Box]

JA98 "Intense, concentrated, powerful, beautifully precise and poised, flicking its brilliance one step at a time. Liqourice and dark mint chocolate, this need time to unroll, so I suggest plenty of time in a carafe to reveal its stunning depths. Poised and intense, with tannins that are expertly handled, fully in control. Peter Gago chief winemaker." Jane Anson. July 2023 DR97 "It's a hard act to follow the monumental 2018 Grange, which – priced at AU$1000 for the first time on release – earned a slew of perfect scores. Chief winemaker Peter Gago regards the 1989, 1999 and 2009 as 'sleeper vintages' so urges against any rash prejudgement on this 2019. Sure, it is not as showy as the 2018 was on release, but if it is anything like the 1999 when it hits its stride in 20 years' time, then patience will be rewarded. The imposing structure, concentration and sheen of new American oak remains the trademark style, but the most powerful wine in the Penfolds stable – officially Bin 95 – is nevertheless becoming increasingly more approachable in recent vintages, and this 2019 is no exception (although approachable remains a relative term for a wine with 40 to 50 years ahead of it). Initial high-toned aromas of chinotto and kirsch lead to spicy liquorice, cedar freshness and more savoury, earthy tones. The palate is mighty: bold, chewy espresso oak char overlaying ripe black berries, plum pudding, rosemary, cured meat and balancing acidity. A blend of Barossa Valley, McLaren Vale, Coonawarra and Clare Valley fruit, aged 19 months in new American oak hogsheads. Released at £670. (Drink between 2029-2065)" Tina Gellie for Decanter, June 2023 AG96 "spent 19 months in larger new American Oak and is powerful and expressive as it delivers a dense core of coca, blackberry and baked terracotta aromas, all well backed by toasted coconut oak. Mouth-filing, expansive and seriously tannic, it then delivers waves of dark berry flavor laced with touches of spice, leading to a rich, muscular finish. It’s built for the long haul, so don’t even think of opening for at least a decade. (Drink between 2035-2055)" Angus Hughson for Vinous, July 2023