1955 Grange

A favourite of Max Schubert's. Chosen by the US magazine, Wine Spectator, as one of the twelve 'Wines of the Millennium'.

Sourced from the Magill Estate (Adelaide), Morphett Vale (Adelaide), Kalimna Vineyard (Barossa Valley) and McLaren Vale. 90% Shiraz, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon.

Nine months in oak.

Max Schubert, Penfolds chief winemaker

85/100

This wine, which I have tasted twice and given approximately the same rating, is drying out, with the astringent tannin taking the upper hand. The color is a garnet/ruby with considerable orange/brown at the edge.

The wine exhibits an attractive spicy, herbal sweetness and some jammy fruit, but the acidity and tannin dominate. While still alive, the 1955 Grange Hermitage is largely of academic interest, although there is enough joy and complexity in its aromatics to merit its very good rating.

Robert M. Parker Jr., www.erobertparker.com, August 1995

90/100

Harvey Steiman, www.erobertparker.com, 31 January 1997

96/100

Jeremy Oliver, www.jeremyoliver.com