1966 Grange

Sourced from the Barossa Valley (including Kalimna Vineyard), Magill Estate (Adelaide) and Morphett Vale (Adelaide). Shiraz (88%), Cabernet Sauvignon (12%).

A fairly dry growing season followed by a warm vintage with near ideal conditions.

Eighteen months in used American oak hogsheads.

Max Schubert, Penfolds chief winemaker

88/100

Interestingly, the 1966 displays a more youthful, dark ruby/garnet color than its younger siblings, the 1967, 1968, and 1970. Some tannin remains in the alcoholic finish. The nose is completely open, revealing scents of cedar, jammy fruit, chocolate, and herbs.

There is medium to full body, astringent, hard tannin, and enough fruit to stand up to the wine's high alcohol and structure. This very good to excellent wine should continue to drink well for another 5–10 years. Two other tastings of this vintage revealed similar results.

Robert M. Parker Jr., www.erobertparker.com, August 1995

87/100

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

97/100

Jeremy Oliver, www.jeremyoliver.com