Penfolds Grange 1996

SKU
PEGR199612 UCAU
  • Grange is the benchmark by which other Australian reds are often measured.
  • James Suckling - 99pts
  • Shiraz (94%) and Cabernet Sauvignon (6%); Matured in 100% new American oak for 19 months
  • 1 or more bottles
    $950.00
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  • James Halliday
    97 points
  • James Suckling
    99 points

Editors notes

Grange is the benchmark by which other Australian reds are often measured. Grange is decadently rich with layer upon layer of flavor that coats the tongue and generously lingers minutes after swallowing. Abundant aromas leap from a glass of Grange and defy the typical adjectives used by wine tasters. These are hedonistic aromas of rich, ripe fruits and spice, yet with an 'otherness' of which wine tasters speak of in hushed tones.

Grange blossoms with 15 to 20 years of bottle age and better vintages can live and continue developing for decades. First produced by Max Schubert in 1951, the '96 Grange represents 46 years of winemaking excellence.

Deep crimson. Lovely classic Grange with intense dark fruit, dark chocolate, mocha aromas. Plush, generously flavoured palate with praline, blackberry, dark plum flavours, fine grainy/graphite tannins and underlying savoury, malty nuances. Finishes chocolatey firm, long and flavourful. A gorgeously seductive wine with lovely fruit power and richness. Still hasdecades to go. A great vintage.

Details

Tasting Profile

  • Light (Light)
    Full (Full)
  • Low Tannin (Low Tannin)
    Tannic (Tannic)
  • Sweet (Sweet)
    Dry (Dry)
  • Low Acidity (Low Acidity)
    High Acidity (High Acidity)
  • Aroma
    • Blackberry
    • Blueberry
    • Pepper
  • Palate
    • Blackberry
    • Fruit Cake
    • Tobacco

Food Pairings

  • Pork
  • Red Meat

Critic Scores & reviews

  • James Halliday

    97
    "Medium to full red-purple, still bright after five years, vibrant cherry and plum fruit aromas more than handle the oak on the bouquet; the palate is sumptuous, but not heavy, the cherry and plum flavours tracking the bouquet. The wine has a very long finish, with fine, integrated tannins. Destined to become one of the great Granges."
  • James Suckling

    99
    "This is so classy and amazing with such composure and finesse. All about fine grain and perfect tone. Sensational from the start. Full body, tight and silky. Will go on forever. 99 pts, James Suckling"

Other vintages

Love this wine? Here's a list of other vintages we have in stock if you'd like to try them as well.

  1. Penfolds Grange 1992
    • Variety Shiraz Blend
    • Vintage 1992
    • Brand Penfolds
    • Cellaring 15 Plus Years
    • Wine Type Red
    • Alcohol Percentage 13.5% Alcohol
    Penfolds Grange 1992
    • Huon Hooke
      91 points
    • Jeremy Oliver
      94 points
    • James Halliday
      96 points
    • Jeannie Cho Lee
      92 points
    • Neal Martin
      92 points
    $799.00
    Add to Wish List

Current auction

All current auctions for this wine & any different vintages.

Locations

Australia

Australia's wine industry is a thriving part of the country's economy, contributing significantly to employment, production, export, and tourism. In fact, the industry is the fourth-largest wine exporter in the world, shipping out 760 million liters of wine to countries including France, Italy, Spain, and the UK. One of the key factors contributing to Australia's success as a "New World" wine producer is the formal export and marketing of its wines through Wine Australia.

Australia's wine regions are scattered across the south and southeast, with almost every state boasting its own vineyards. Victoria, for example, is home to an impressive 21 wine regions. Some of the most famous wine regions in Australia include Margaret River, Barossa Valley, McLaren Vale, Eden Valley, Clare Valley, Hunter Valley, Yarra Valley, and local regions to New South Wales such as Cowra, Southern Highlands, and Mudgee.

Australian winemakers are known for producing a diverse range of grape varieties, with Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and Pinot Noir being among the most popular. They tend to focus on producing wines that are ripe, fruit-forward, and easy to drink, using modern winemaking techniques and equipment such as stainless steel tanks and temperature-controlled fermentation.

With its bold, fruit-driven flavors and reputation for quality and diversity, Australian wine has become a popular choice for wine lovers around the world. And with such a broad range of wine regions and grape varieties, there's something for every palate to enjoy.

South Australia

If you like Australian wine, then you probably like South Australia wine. The rich reds produced there put Australia on the wine-making map of the world. With over 40% of the country's vineyards, South Australia can rightfully call itself the wine state.

Wines are produced in several regions throughout the state, though many are naturally grouped together, like Barossa and Eden Valleys, only 15 minutes apart. They include such regions as Barossa Valley, Clare Valley, Eden Valley, Coonawarra, Adelaide Hills, Kangaroo Island, Langhorne Creek, The Limestone Coast, McLaren Vale and Wrattonbully to name but a few!

Barossa Valley boasts some of the oldest vines in Australia dating back to 1843 and produces some of the world's finest Shiraz, whilst the 'terra rossa' soils of Coonawarra is most suited to producing outstanding Cabernet Sauvignons. If you're a fan of Riesling, Clare Valley is a great place to explore and for a Maritime climate not dissimilar to parts of the Italian coastline, seek out the wines from McLaren Vale.

About the brand Penfolds

Penfolds, a renowned winery steeped in history, traces its origins back to 1844 when it was founded by Dr. Christopher Rawson Penfold, a young English doctor, and his wife Mary. Nestled in Magill, on the outskirts of Adelaide, they established a humble cottage and planted vine cuttings from the South of France, laying the foundation for what would become an iconic winemaking legacy.

Fast forward to 1989, when Peter Gago joined the Penfolds team. With his exceptional talent and expertise, he ascended to the position of Chief Winemaker in 2002, leading a remarkable team of experienced winemakers. Under his guidance, they diligently uphold the traditions set by the previous owners and continually strive for excellence in winemaking.

Central to Penfolds' winemaking philosophy is their signature multi-regional blending approach. By sourcing grapes from diverse regions, such as Adelaide, the Barossa Valley, the Clare Valley, Coonawarra, Limestone Coast, and McLaren Vale, they craft wines that showcase the finest qualities of each terroir. These wines are a harmonious fusion of flavors, meticulously balanced to achieve an exceptional taste profile.

Penfolds' dedication to quality is evident not only in their grape selection but also in their winemaking techniques. Embracing the use of fine-grained American and French oak, along with barrel fermentation and maturation, they enhance the wines' complexity and character.

Throughout its existence, Penfolds has played a pivotal role in the evolution of winemaking not just in Australia but across the world. With a legacy spanning nearly two centuries, they have firmly established themselves as one of Australia's most esteemed and influential wineries.

Today, Penfolds sources grapes from an extensive network of over 220 vineyards scattered throughout Australia. From this vast collection, only the very best grapes are chosen, ensuring that every bottle bears the mark of the brand's uncompromising commitment to excellence. Whether enjoyed locally or savored by wine enthusiasts worldwide, Penfolds wines continue to exemplify the epitome of Australian winemaking mastery.

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