1978 Grange

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

Fairly warm, dry season and a mild vintage, resulting in wines at the richer end of the spectrum. Shiraz (90%), Cabernet Sauvignon (10%).

Eighteen months in new American oak hogsheads.

Don Ditter, Penfolds chief winemaker

90/100

Another blockbuster Grange, this opaque garnet-colored wine is the first Grange to exhibit obvious spicy new oak in its aromatics.

Full-bodied, with layers of highly-extracted, overripe fruit, this muscular, thick wine is almost too rich. Although large-scaled, its low acidity and voluptuous texture make it accessible and impressive in an uncomplicated manner.

Look for it to develop further complexity with another 5-6 years of cellaring.

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

83/100

Harvey Steiman, Wine Spectator, 31 January 1997

94/100

Jeremy Oliver, www.jeremyoliver.com