The 30 year old Penfolds Great Grandfather Rare Tawny is pale tawny in color and has a more profound nose than the Grandfather or Father labels of this style. The nose presents some earthy notes that wrap a complex spiciness around a core of Christmas cake, dried fruits, milk chocolate and incense. It’s a huge wine in the mouth - very serious stuff - with tons of layers and racy acid line to carry the flavor through the very long finish that also has a pleasant minerality. The Wine Advocate, Oct 31, 2014, Lisa Perrotti-Brown
Boasting knockout aromas of herbal, floral, tea-like stems, sous bois, smoked meat and black cherries, the 2018 Sangreal Pinot Noir is a treat just to smell. On the palate, it's medium-bodied and silky textured, smooth and polished in feel, showing ample concentration and length on the finish, which adds hints of orange zest, cranberries and exotic spice. Complex, mouthwatering and elegant, it's a beauty to drink now and over the next 7-8 years. Issue 253 End of February 2021, The Wine Advocate, 27 Feb 2021, Joe Czerwinski
The Hill of Grace vineyard, in Eden Valley, comprises 13 separate blocks, six of which feed into the Hill of Grace Shiraz. The oldest block (0.56 hectares), known as "Grandfathers," was planted around 1860. The other blocks were planted in 1910 (0.33 hectares), 1951 (1.08 hectares), 1952 (0.7 hectares), 1956 (0.88 hectares) and 1965 (0.57 hectares). The 2018 Hill of Grace Shiraz was matured in a combination of new (20%) and seasoned (80%) oak hogsheads (83% French, 17% American) for 18 months prior to blending and bottling. On the nose, the 2018 vintage assists this wine in speaking clearly of its regional location: raspberry and licorice, coal dust, black tea and tobacco leaf. There are inflections of black truffle and bone broth, which always seem to emerge, however the wine is brighter and more focused than I have seen. It offers a beautiful, svelte display of fruit and tannin, with all things in harmony in the mouth. This is very long, as we would expect from the pedigree of this wine and the vineyard. It is concentrated and intense, sinewy, elegant and powerful—a wine for the future generation. The Wine Advocate, Apr 06, 2023, Erin Larkin
Sourced only from the Barossa Valley, RWT is aged exclusively in French oak, giving it two major points of difference from the rest of the Penfolds range. Always a sexy, voluptuous wine (and admittedly a personal favorite), the 2018 RWT Shiraz ratchets that up to new heights in a great Barossa vintage, boasting layers of berry-like fruit, refined vanilla shadings and baking-spice notes, plus more exotic elements like star anise and cocoa powder. It's full-bodied and plush without being unstructured in any way, with a lingering, complex finish and the concentration to age two decades or more. The Wine Advocate, Jul 22, 2020, Joe Czerwinski
The mulberry and vanilla-scented 2017 Ares Shiraz is a full-bodied Barossa Shiraz, with sufficient structure to support at least 15 years of aging. Dark purple and saturated in color, it shows some faint herbal nuances as well—enough to keep the fruit from being monolithic or boring, not enough to be a distraction. The tannins are rich and ripe, imparting a velvety texture on the palate and lingering as a soft dustiness on the long finish. End of July 2020, The Wine Advocate, 31 Jul 2020, Joe Czerwinski
Ripe and silky, the 2017 Bella's Garden Shiraz boasts oodles of black cherries layered with loamy-earthy notes. It's full-bodied and expansive but stays balanced, with supple tannins lingering on the finish. June 2019 Week 2, The Wine Advocate, 12 Jun 2019, Joe Czerwinski
I briefly thought about just cutting and pasting the review of the 2014 into this space for the 2015 Hill of Grace Shiraz, but on further reflection, there are some differences between them—and isn't that one of the reasons we love wine? Scents of smoked meat and mocha accent notes of black olives and blackberries, joined by subtle notions of resinous herbs, while the full-bodied palate comes across as slightly weightier, richer and more velvety in texture than the 2014. Not as elegant perhaps, but more concentrated and powerful on the long, long finish. The Wine Advocate, May 15, 2020, Joe Czerwinski
Torbreck's 2015 The Laird boasts explosive aromas of Christmas spices, ripe plums, vanilla, hickory smoke and maple syrup. It's a big wine, loaded with fruit and oak, full-bodied, rich and velvety, adding hints of toasted coconut and cinnamon streusel on the long, almost dessert-like finish. For a more savory experience, age it a decade or so before pulling a cork. The Wine Advocate, Nov 28, 2019, Joe Czerwinski
Rich, concentrated and intense, the 2014 Grange delivers exactly what we've come to expect from this Penfolds icon wine. It's full-bodied, velvety in feel and loaded with plummy fruit, framed in vanilla and cedar. Dense, powerful and tannic, it should prove to be long lived, even by Grange standards. Gago doesn't rate the vintage overall that highly, but he says the selection this year for Grange was a bit more stringent and that production levels were just average. October 2018 Penfolds New Releases, The Wine Advocate, 5 Oct 2018, Joe Czerwinski
This bottle was opened in front of me and served without decanting. Containing 4% Cabernet Sauvignon and with a deep garnet-purple color, the 2014 Shiraz St Henriz has a relatively shy nose of black plums, black cherries and mulberries with nuances of underbrush, fruit cake and damp soil. The full-bodied palate has satisfying richness, with firm, rounded tannins supporting the earthy fruit layers, finishing with good depth and persistence. Wine Advocate (233), 1st Nov 2017, Lisa Perrotti-Brown
Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2013 Amon Ra has youthfully toned-down notes of blackcurrants, blackberry preserves, plums and cracked pepper with nuances of licorice, dark chocolate, cedar and black earth. The palate has wonderful balance and elegance for its commendable concentration and fullness, with tons of muscular fruit and spice layers framed by grainy tannins and just enough freshness, finishing with great persistence. 219, The Wine Advocate, 29 Jun 2015, Lisa Perrotti-Brown
Very deep purple-black in color, the 2012 Amon Ra reveals intense notes of blackcurrant cordial, blackberry compote and licorice with nuances of cloves, allspice, chocolate box and salami as well as a whiff of espresso. The 100% Shiraz palate offers a beast of a wine that is densely packed with black fruit and baking spice flavors and is supported with firm, grainy tannins and crisp acid through to a finish with excellent persistence. Drink it 2015 to 2025+. 211, The Wine Advocate, 27 Feb 2014, Lisa Perrotti-Brown
Deep purple-black in color, the 2010 Amon-Ra is very closed on the nose showing pure black fruits, chocolate and licorice with just a touch of loam. Full-bodied and densely packed, the voluptuous palate is framed by firm, fine tannins and a crisp acid line. It has a long, well-balanced finish. Drink it from 2014-2026+. 205, The Wine Advocate, 28 Feb 2013, Lisa Perrotti-Brown
A blend of Langhorne Creek and McLaren Vale fruit, the 2010 Blue Eyed Boy Shiraz presents a very deep purple black color and is profoundly scented of warm black berries, blueberry pie filling, licorice and cloves with hints of Chinese five spice, mocha and cedar. Very rich, powerful and very full bodied, the concentrated fruit is well balanced by a medium to firm level of rounded tannins and lively acid. It has a very long milk chocolate and coconut laced finish. Give this wine another year for the oak to marry and drink it 2013 to 2020+. 199, The Wine Advocate, 23 Dec 2011, Lisa Perrotti-Brown
Deep garnet-colored with a hint of purple, the 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon presents pronounced cassis, warm blackberry and spiced plum aromas with hints of dried mint, lavender, violets, cigar boxes and Chinese five spice. Medium to full-bodied with great poise and expression even at this primary, youthful stage, it has a firm level of fine-grained tannins and a lively backbone of acid through the finish with great length and depth. Approachable now, it should drink best 2015 to 2024+. The Wine Advocate, Aug 29, 2013, Lisa Perrotti-Brown
Very deep purple-black in color and showing an attractive nose of warm blackcurrants, blueberries and licorice with a complex undercurrent of mocha, cedar, menthol and grilled meat, the full-bodied 2010 St Henri Shiraz is relatively rich in the mouth, offering tons of fruit structured by firm, fine tannins and refreshing acid. It finishes with great persistence. Drink it 2015 to 2030+. eRobertParker.com (211), Feb 2014, Lisa Perrotti-Brown
Medium to deep garnet-purple in color, the nose on the 2009 Hill of Grace is a little closed, though it reveals notes of warm black plums, blackberry coulis and cloves with subtle nuances of dried Provence herbs, forest floor and lavender. Medium to full-bodied, it possesses layers of medium to full-bodied black fruit and earth-laced flesh elegantly structured by a medium to firm level of finely grained tannins, nicely balanced acid and a long finish. Drink it now to 2026+. 211, The Wine Advocate, 27 Feb 2014, Lisa Perrotti-Brown
The 2008 Cellar Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon was sourced from Barossa vineyards over 100 years of age. The wine was barrel-fermented in new French oak. A glass-coating opaque purple-color, it exhibits a soaring bouquet of pain grille, pencil lead, incense, plum, blackberry, and black currant. On the palate it reveals a glossy texture, an opulent personality, superb density, and enough well-concealed stuffing to evolve for 5-7 years. It will offer a drinking window extending from 2015 to 2030. The Cellar Reserve wines are limited production bottlings sold mainly at the winery and to mailing list customers. Wine Advocate (186), Dec 2009, Jay Miller
Deep garnet-purple in color, the 2008 The Laird is a little restrained to begin, opening out after a few moments and much coaxing to an extraordinary array of creme de cassis and black plum-based aromas with underlying chocolate box, licorice, exotic spice, oolong tea and clove hints with a touch of earthy loam. Richly textured, dense and with a provocative meaty/earthy/savory, the palate is complex and layered revealing menthol and ripe black fruit notes interplaying with firm, velvety tannins through to a very long, opulent and harmonious finish. Drink it from 2015 to 2030+. Wine Advocate (205), Feb 2013, Lisa Perrotti-Brown
The 2007 Penfolds Grange is comprised of 97% Shiraz and 3% Cabernet Sauvignon coming predominately from Barossa vineyards with smaller proportions from Magill Estate and McLaren Vale. It was matured for 21 months in 100% new American oak hogsheads. Very deep garnet-purple in color, the nose is intensely scented of vibrant blueberry preserve, mulberry and kirsch aromas over hints of cedar, mocha, vanilla and anise. The full bodied palate is richly fruited with pure black berry and baking spice flavors offset by crisp acidity and a firm level of velvety tannins, finishing long. This is quite an opulent, forward Grange, which is very tempting to drink now, though of course will reward at least 5-10 years of cellaring and should keep to 2030+. In Asia, May 2012, Lisa Perrotti-Brown
Made from fruit coming predominantly from the Barossa Valley this year (97%) and containing 2% Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2006 Grange has been added to my list of favorite recent vintages. Deep garnet-purple colored, it’s still a little youthfully mute, offering notes of warm cherries, black currants, anise, coffee and toast with underlying hints of soy, yeast extract, black olives and Indian spices. Tight-knit and solidly structured on the medium to full bodied palate, the concentrated fruit is densely coiled around the firm grainy tannins and very crisp acidity at this stage, but promises something very special in the years to come. It finishes very long, complex and layered with the cedar poking though the fruit purity. Patience is required for this vintage; it should begin opening out around 2016 and drink to 2030+. eRobertParker.com (199), Feb 2012, Lisa Perrotti-Brown
Deep garnet with hints of purple, the 2006 RWT Shiraz has a warm cassis and black cherry compote nose with hints of pepper, cedar and black tea. Medium to full-bodied, muscular and powerful, the concentrated palate is structured by firm and rounded tannins through the long finish. 221, The Wine Advocate, 30 Oct 2015, Lisa Perrotti-Brown
The 2006 The Wine Shiraz is nicknamed “the show pony” by Ringland. It offers a similar aromatic profile and satiny, succulent fruit but comes off as a bit more forward and elegant on the palate. It conceals enough fine-grained tannin to support 6-8 years of additional cellaring. 186, The Wine Advocate, 22 Dec 2009, Jay S Miller
The 2005 Roennfeldt Road Shiraz is very deep purple-black in color. It presents and incredible array of pronounced spice, earth, floral and savory aromas: blackberry preserves, dried mulberries, coffee, grilled duck, vanilla, cloves, fenugreek, violets and dried rose petals plus some shavings of dark chocolate. Very full and very rich in the mouth, at 17.5% declared alcohol this is not a wine for the faint hearted. Though youthful it’s already multi-layered and the opulent flesh is well supported by a good backbone of crisp acid and a high level of velvety tannins. The finish is very, very long. This Shiraz has great balance for the alcohol and although the wine leaves a bit of heat in the finish it neither overpowers nor detracts from the layers of complex flavors. Possessing the foundation and stuffing to age, it should drink well from 2014 to 2025+. 192, The Wine Advocate, 23 Dec 2010, Lisa Perrotti-Brown
The 2005 Mount Edelstone is a 100% Shiraz cuvee sourced from a vineyard planted in 1912. Yields are a meager 0.3 to 0.5 tons of fruit per acre. In combination with a near ideal growing season, this has resulted in a great edition of Mount Edelstone, one of South Australia’s iconic wines. Purple-colored, the nose gives up notes of mocha, chocolate, smoked meat, pepper, leather, blueberry, and blackberry. Elegant, already complex, layered, and thoroughly satisfying, this superb Shiraz has enough baby fat to be enjoyed now but will amply reward 5-7 years of cellaring. It will drink beautifully through 2025. 181, The Wine Advocate, 25 Feb 2009, Jay S Miller
Deep garnet in color, the 2005 Block 6 Shiraz exudes beguiling notes of warm black cherries, raspberry preserves and Chinese dried plums with hints of fruit cake, salami, mocha and licorice. Very big, full-bodied and rich, the palate is very spicy, densely laden with dried fruits and savory flavors and structured by medium-firm grainy tannins through the long finish. Mature now, it should cellar to 2024+. Wine Advocate (211), Feb 2014, Lisa Perrotti-Brown
Containing just a dollop of 4.1% Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2005 Grange is about 85%+ Barossa fruit with the remaining proportions coming from McLaren vale and Coonawarra. It was aged for 18 months in 100% new American oak hogsheads. The nose begins a bit animal with some smoked game, mincemeat and bacon notes emerging over the freshly crushed, sun-warmed blackberries, black currant cordial, earth, black truffles, anise and allspice. Rich and full with very firm very fine tannins and very crisp acid, it gives a long finish layered with coffee, mincemeat and toast. Drink it 2013 to 2025+. Wine Advocate (192), Dec 2010, Lisa Perrotti-Brown
The 2005 The Struie was sourced from cooler Eden Valley and Barossa Valley hillside vineyards. It is David Powell’s attempt to showcase the cooler side of the region. Vine age ranges from 46-110 years old. The wine was aged for 18 months in older French oak before being bottled unfined and unfiltered. It delivers a splendid bouquet of lead pencil, game, blueberry muffin, and blackberry liqueur. This is followed by an elegant Shiraz which is nevertheless full-bodied, dense, and richly flavored. Plush on the palate, it has superior depth and length and the structure to evolve for 6-8 years. Drink it through 2027. Wine Advocate (173), Oct 2007, Jay Miller
The 2005 Dry Red No. 1 is 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Merlot, and the balance Malbec and Petit Verdot. It was aged in 100% new oak. Purple-colored, it emits an alluring fragrance of smoky oak, toast, vanilla, pencil lead, olives, black currant, and blackberry liqueur. This is followed by a full-bodied, tannic, muscular wine in need of a decade of cellaring. Impressively balanced, all components are well-integrated, and the finish lasts for 60 seconds. It will drink well through 2035. 173, The Wine Advocate, 31st Oct 2007, Jay S Miller
The 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon Block 42 Kalimna (100% Cabernet Sauvignon) spent 13 months in 100% new 300 liter American hogsheads. The result is an opaque purple-colored Cabernet displaying a gorgeously intense perfume of graphite, acacia flowers, black truffles, blueberries, and blackberries. It is seamless, full-bodied, and opulent, with amazing intensity as well as high tannin levels. The latter component is largely concealed by a sensational cascade of fruit and glycerin. This remarkable wine should age gracefully for 20-25 years. Wine Advocate (167), Oct 2006, Robert Parker
Penfolds- iconic 2003 Grange is Shiraz blended with 3.5% Cabernet Sauvignon from Coonawarra. It was aged for 15 months in 100% new American oak. Opaque purple-colored, it offers up aromas of cedar, cigar box, leather, Asian spices, and blueberry. On the palate it is layered but a bit short on depth and grip with only moderate length. It will evolve for 5-7 years and drink well from 2014 to 2030. This is a good but not great vintage of Grange making it vastly overpriced. Wine Advocate (181), Feb 2009, Jay Miller
Last but not least is Australia’s most famous wine, the 2002 Shiraz “Grange”. The 2002 version was sourced from 77.5% Barossa Valley and 22.5% from McLaren Vale. Included in the blend is 1.5% Cabernet Sauvignon. It spent 17 months in 100% new American oak. Opaque purple, it gives off an ethereal bouquet of violets, saddle leather, blueberry, blackberry, pencil lead, and chocolate. This is followed by a full-bodied wine with tremendous concentration, multiple layers of flavor, ripe tannins, and great balance. Thick and rich, with a 60-second finish, it will slowly blossom over the next 15-20 years and provide pleasure through 2050. It is a legend in the making! Wine Advocate (173), Oct 2007, Jay Miller
Deep garnet-brick, the 1999 Meshach has an intense nose of evolved aromas spice and dried berry aromas: sandalwood, cinnamon stick, anise, cloves and fenugreek over dried plums, dried mulberries, prunes and figs with hints of soy and espresso. Concentrated, full bodied and layered in the mouth, it offers a medium-firm level of very fine tannins, enlivening acid and a very long finish. It makes a gorgeous glass right now, though it should continue to cellar to 2020+. eRobertParker.com (199), Feb 2012, Robert Parker
The prodigious 1999 Shiraz Hill of Grace is a magnificent Eden Valley Shiraz, fashioned from vineyard blocks ranging between 52-144 years of age. Its inky/ruby/plum/purple color is followed by a fragrant perfume of black fruits intermixed with underbrush, dried herbs, vanilla, and spring flowers. Full-bodied, magnificently concentrated, pure, and delineated, this gorgeous, still young, compelling Shiraz is another example of a vintage that more and more appears to be underrated. It should hit its prime in 2-4 years, and last 15-20. Wine Advocate (155), Oct 2004, Robert Parker