Great Grandfather Rare Tawny

Penfolds Great Grandfather Rare Tawny was first made in 1994 to celebrate Penfolds 150th anniversary. After an initial launch of exactly 1994 bottles, it has only ever been made in limited quantities.

The core varietals are Mataro, Shiraz, Cabernet and Grenache sourced from vineyards across south-eastern Australia. For the first 20 years these components are matured separately in the Grandfather Solera.

Only the very best are selected to age further. Blended, they are introduced into the three stage Great Grandfather Solera. This Solera spans 42 vintages with individual components from 1960 to 2002 included.

Lustrous deep tawny, Penfolds Great Grandfather Rare Tawny is intense, fragrant and seductive. With dark fruitcake flavours it is seamless from start to finish.

Though it can be kept in bottle, it is made to drink on release.

Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's … but then, must this really be shared?!

It's the Great Grandfather Rare Tawny!

Peter Gago, Penfolds chief winemaker

96/100

The 30 year old Penfolds Great Grandfather Rare Tawny is pale tawny in color and has a more profound nose than the Grandfather or Father labels of this style.

The nose presents some earthy notes that wrap a complex spiciness around a core of Christmas cake, dried fruits, milk chocolate and incense.

It's a huge wine in the mouth – very serious stuff – with tons of layers and racy acid line to carry the flavour through the very long finish that also has a pleasant minerality.

Lisa Perrotti-Brown, www.erobertparker.com, October 2014

98/100

James Suckling, www.jamessuckling.com, March 2014