Penfolds : Grange 2021

Characteristics and Tasting Tips of the Grange 2021 by Penfolds

Tasting

Color
The color displays a deep purple hue, almost black at its core.

Nose
The complex bouquet reveals a sophisticated blend of dark chocolate, meaty notes and balsamic reduction. There are also hints of soy, various spices evoking poppy, sesame and incense, accompanied by charcoal dust and resinous soot.

Palate
On the palate, the wine is full-bodied and structured, lifted by powdery tannins of great elegance. The aromatic spectrum offers woody (oak), chocolate and burnt notes, along with licorice, menthol and Worcestershire sauce. The ensemble is further enriched by hints of squid ink, cold corned beef, Satsuma plum, star anise and roasted quince.

Food and Wine Pairings

This exceptional wine pairs perfectly with grilled red meats, game birds, dishes stewed with Oriental spices or aged hard cheeses.

Service and Cellaring

The Grange 2021 can be enjoyed now, but it will reveal its full potential between roughly 2027 and 2060. A two-hour decantation will optimize this great wine’s aromatic expression.

An emblematic South Australian wine with multi-regional blends

The Estate

A symbol of excellence, the Domaine Penfolds has established itself as an emblem of Australian great wines since the early 20th century, notably thanks to the tenacity of a bold figure: Mary Penfold. The famous Briton and her husband Christopher Rawson arrived in Australia in 1844 and quickly acquired a 200-hectare estate in the heart of Adelaide. Captivated by this viticultural setting, Mary Penfold subsequently devoted body and soul to managing the estate, making it the largest wine producer in South Australia.

Imbued with depth, elegance and complexity, wines bearing the Penfolds signature have been praised by critics for decades and have garnered countless awards for their quality.

The Vineyards

As an iconic cuvée unanimously recognized by top international critics, Grange comes from three emblematic regions of Southern Australia. The Barossa Valley provides the main structure, McLaren Vale contributes with its diverse soils and temperate climate, while Clare Valley enriches the blend with its high-altitude terroirs offering slow and even ripening.

The Vintage

The 2021 vintage is characterized by contrasting climatic conditions across the regions. The Barossa Valley experienced a variable climate with below-average winter rainfall, a wet August, a cool spring and a normal summer, allowing for a high-quality harvest. McLaren Vale enjoyed a temperate year with a dry July, good spring rains, a mild summer and a cool end to the season, promoting prolonged ripening without rain during harvest. Clare Valley recorded below-average winter precipitation, offset by August rains, average spring and summer temperatures, resulting in low yields but exceptional quality thanks to slow, steady ripening.

Winemaking and Aging

The Grange 2021 benefits from 18 months of aging in new American oak barrels, the signature technique of this iconic cuvée that imparts complexity and exceptional cellaring potential to the wine.

Grape Varieties

The blend is composed of 94% Shiraz and 6% Cabernet Sauvignon, following Grange tradition which emphasizes Shiraz while adding structure and complexity through Cabernet Sauvignon.