Grandfather Rare Tawny

Penfolds Grandfather Rare Tawny dates back to 1915, when an oak cask containing the finest blend of Tawny was set aside for the Penfold family.

Its core varietals comprise Shiraz, Grenache, Mataro and Cabernet Sauvignon, sourced from vineyards specifically selected for fortified wine production across south-eastern Australia.

Batches are individually aged in seasoned oak hogsheads before being selected and blended at 14 years of age. This blend is then introduced into the first stage of the Grandfather Solera.

After six individual solera stages that integrate all the components, the wine is bottled with an average blended age of 20 years.

Deep tawny, Penfolds Grandfather Rare Tawny has classic fruitcake, liquorice and vanillin oak flavours with a sweet, full finish that lasts on and on.

Fully matured for immediate enjoyment, best consumed within 12 months of purchase.

1915 ... 6 stages ... 20 years.

Not just numbers, validation. Pass the glass! Please …

As Grandfather is matured utilising a Solera system all vintages introduced into the system are retained forever.

Peter Gago, Penfolds chief winemaker

92/100

Readers can take their pick, but the difference in price might ensure that the Grandfather Tawny Liqueur is the way to go.

Amazingly rich and honeyed with hints of figs, prunes, caramel, and toffee, it is a gorgeous, brilliantly made fortified wine composed of Shiraz and Mourvèdre. This brilliant fortified is remarkably light on its feet given its massive richness.

Thank good winemaking, great natural extract, and zesty acidity for keeping this wine fresh in spite of its huge residual sweetness and power.

Robert M. Parker Jr., www.erobertparker.com, October 2006

91/100

Harvey Steiman, www.winespectator.com, December 2014