1997 Grange
Vintage reviews
Sourced from the Barossa Valley, McLaren Vale & Bordertown. Shiraz (96%), Cabernet Sauvignon (4%).
A somewhat challenging vintage combining a cool start to the season with heat in the high summer. Budburst was slightly later than usual in most South Australian regions, with mild weather through to Christmas.
The onset of a prolonged heat wave in February further delayed ripening. Fortunately, a sunny, warm autumn followed, allowing vines to reach full ripeness.
20 months in new American oak barrels.
John Duval, Penfolds chief winemaker
94/100
The 1997 Grange (a blend of 96% Shiraz and 4% Cabernet Sauvignon) looks to be a classic Grange.
The wine has a saturated purple color and a gorgeously sweet nose of blackberry liqueur intermixed with cherries, camphor, chocolate, plum, and mocha.
The wine is opulently textured, extremely soft, layered, and seductive, with Grange's tell-tale personality well-displayed, but in a seamless, seductive style. It will be interesting to see if this wine firms up between now and its release.
Anticipated maturity: 2005–2022.
Robert M. Parker Jr., www.erobertparker.com, February 2002
92/100
Harvey Steiman, Wine Spectator, 30 September 2002
95/100
Jeremy Oliver, www.jeremyoliver.com