1969 Grange

Sourced from the Barossa Valley (including Kalimna Vineyard), Magill Estate (Adelaide), Clare Valley, Morphett Vale (Adelaide) and Coonawarra.

A wet year with almost double the normal growing season rainfall.

Shiraz (95%), Cabernet Sauvignon (5%). Eighteen months in used American oak hogsheads.

Max Schubert, Penfolds chief winemaker

87/100

A blend of 95% Shiraz and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon, the 1969 Grange emerged from the year Max Schubert considered "difficult". Notes of earth, plum, mushrooms, and roasted vegetables emerge from a wine with considerable amber at the edge.

It is austere, dry, with medium body, some notes of coffee and molasses, but fading fruit. Drink it up.

Robert M. Parker Jr., www.erobertparker.com, February 2002

86/100

Harvey Steiman, www.winespectator.com, 31 January 1997

91/100

Jeremy Oliver, www.jeremyoliver.com