1965 Grange

The 1965 Grange won the coveted Jimmy Watson Trophy, awarded to the best one year old red at the Melbourne Wine Show, in 1966.

Bottles from the 1965 vintage were labelled Bin numbers 69, 70, 71 and 95.

Sourced from the Barossa Valley (including Kalimna Vineyard), Magill Estate (Adelaide), Morphett Vale (Adelaide) and McLaren Vale. Shiraz (95%), Cabernet Sauvignon (5%).

Eighteen months in used American oak hogsheads.

Max Schubert, Penfolds chief winemaker

86/100

The 1965 Grange Hermitage's dull color reveals considerable amber and orange at the edge. It exhibits a pronounced nose of roasted coffee, sweet herbs, mocha, and cedar.

There is some fruit in the attack, but it fades quickly to display a wine with more hot alcohol and structure than sweetness and extraction. Although it remains full-bodied and is drinking reasonably well, this wine is in decline.

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

88/100

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

95/100

Jeremy Oliver, www.jeremyoliver.com