1977 Grange

The last Grange to be entered in Australian wine shows, winning silver medals in 1981 and 1982. By this time Grange was firmly established in Australia and had nothing further to gain from show success. The wine was also too easy to recognise.

Sourced from the Barossa Valley (including Kalimna Vineyard), Magill Estate (Adelaide) and Clare Valley. Fairly cool season followed by mild conditions at vintage period. Shiraz (91%), Cabernet Sauvignon (9%).

Eighteen months in new American oak hogsheads.

Don Ditter, Penfolds chief winemaker

94/100

Still extremely youthful with an opaque black/ruby color, as well as undeveloped aromas of licorice, earth, overripe black fruits and prunes, this huge, lavishly rich, thick, full-bodied Grange is just beginning to open and reveal its potential.

It is a heavyweight wine that can be drunk now, but promises to last for 10–15 more years.

Robert M. Parker Jr., Wine Advocate #100, August 1995

90/100

Harvey Steiman, Wine Spectator, 31 January 1997

93/100

Jeremy Oliver, www.jeremyoliver.com