1989 Grange

Sourced from the Barossa Valley including the Kalimna Vineyard and McLaren Vale. Shiraz (91%), Cabernet Sauvignon (9%).

Below average rainfall during the growing season and a hot February caused concern, with vine health struggling. Heavy March rains followed. Older and more established Grange vineyards were better able to cope with the heat and rain better than most.

Matured in new American oak hogsheads for 18 months.

John Duval, Penfolds chief winemaker

93/100

A full-bodied, youthful, smoky, overripe cassis-scented wine with massive body, and copious quantities of smoky, vanillin-scented new oak, this moderately tannic, juicy, opulent, muscular Grange requires 5–7 years of cellaring.

It should last for 20+ years.

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

96/100

Harvey Steiman, Wine Spectator, 31 January 1997

95/100

Jeremy Oliver, www.jeremyoliver.com