1982 Grange

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

A very good vintage in South Australia with a mild growing season which ended with a burst of warm weather. Shiraz (94%), Cabernet Sauvignon (6%).

Matured in new American oak hogsheads for 18 months.

Don Ditter, Penfolds chief winemaker

95/100

Although huge, phenomenally rich, and pure, the 1982 appeared less concentrated than the monster 1981.

Nevertheless, this is no shy wine. Its weight and richness rival anything from California. However, the 1982 possesses more poise and, dare I say it, elegance than other Grange vintages.

The color remains an opaque ruby/purple, and the nose offers up sweet aromas of berries, vanilla, toast, and herbs.

Intense, full-bodied, unctuously-textured, and moderately tannic, this youthful tasting Grange Hermitage will benefit from another 3-4 years of cellaring; it should keep for at least 15 more years.

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

92/100

Harvey Steiman, Wine Spectator, 31 January 1997

93/100

Jeremy Oliver, www.jeremyoliver.com