2008 Penfolds Grange Scores 100 Points

2008 Penfolds Grange has received a 100 point score from one of the world’s leading wine magazines, America’s Wine Spectator. Published by Marvin R. Shanken, Wine Spectator awarded the 2008 Grange a perfect score, as reviewed by Editor-at-Large Harvey Steiman, and also awarded a further ten Penfolds wines scores of 90 points or higher. Penfolds managed the early-ripening Shiraz from precious older, lower-yielding, self-regulating vines. Rigorous harvesting and meticulous classification resulted in a swag of pristine fruit from Penfolds prime vineyards in the Barossa, McLaren Vale and Coonawarra. The deep colors, superb aromatics and dense ripe tannins all point to a classic Penfolds vintage. Penfolds Grange has a long history of excellence since its inception by creator, Max Schubert in 1951 (experimental vintage). Originally criticised by wine experts at the time, Penfolds Grange gained acceptance when the 1955 vintage was awarded Gold Medals at international and local wine competitions. Unlike any wine of its time, it changed the face of the Australian wine industry and went on to become a National Trust heritage listed wine.

Peter Gago, Penfolds Chief Winemaker said: “this is a wonderful and timely result for our winemaking and viticulture teams. This acknowledgement endorses the continued and impressive work undertaken in our own vineyards as well as the dedication and commitment of our ‘Grange Growers’.” Harvey Steiman states about the 2008 Grange: “An utterly majestic Shiraz, sleek and seamless, brimming with ripeness on a framework that allows for grace and expressiveness in equal measure.  The intensity of fresh blueberry and plum fruit holds attention until the nuances kick in, offering glints of exotic spice, coffee, cocoa, bay leaf and mint.  Shows tremendous presence without a lot of weight, the tannins present but not even close to getting in the way.  A great wine now with plenty of room to grow. Drink now through 2040.” The review appeared in the June 12, 2013, issue of Wine Spectator Insider.