Penfolds Grange 2018

- 100 Punkte JAMES SUCKLING: „A robust Grange from a lauded vintage, this wields sheer power with such compelling prowess. Uncompromising Grange. There are rich blackberries and plums on offer, together with brazen oak and abundant notes of blackcurrants, black cherries, charcoal, cola and hard brown spices. So fleshy and intense. Dark-chocolate and cocoa-powder aromas and flavors here, too. The tannins are polished and long, extruding deep into the finish and holding endlessly. Dark chocolate, black cherry, dark plum and more. Impressive. Brazen. One of the great Granges that will drink magnificently for decades to come.“

- 99 Punkte Robert Parkers WINE ADVOCATE, Erin Larkin: „This wine comes with high expectations—as does the vintage. The 2018 vintage across South Australia (and cheekily, we could probably extend the accolade to all of Australia) was excellent. It was warm, but without incident, and responsible for powerfully ripe, serious wines. Many producers made some of their best wines in this vintage. So here, to the 2018 Grange: there is spiced raspberry, lashings of salted licorice, red curry paste, layers of forest berries, rendered lamb fat and crushed pink peppercorns to start. In the mouth, the tannins close around the fruit with the same polish and seamlessness as the 2008, possibly the 2004? Very different vintages, but there is a textural similarity for me. This is polished and glossy and so very pretty. It contains 3% Cabernet Sauvignon this year, and 69% Barossa, 18% McLaren Vale and the balance from Clare Valley. Each of the regions brings with it its own characteristics. Barossa brings the red dirt, blood, deli meat and rust. McLaren Vale brings the plush purple fruits with a side of meat and licorice. Clare brings the polish, the opulence and the velvet texture. With their powers combined, this is an extraordinary Grange. One of the true greats, which will only get better as it ages.“

- 98 Punkte WINE ENTHUSIAST, Christina Pickard: „The latest release, from the warm '18 vintage, of Penfolds's most iconic wine delivers on all it promises. Even sans decanting, it promptly fills the nose with a multitude of aromas, from black cherry and lightly grilled plums to dark chocolate and cracked black pepper; from roasting herbs and spices (think bay leaf, rosemary, thyme and dried mint), to a polished glean of well-integrated oak. The palate is powerful, in a dignified way, with a sculpted shape, fine, chalky tannins and persistent flavor. Decades of age await, but if well decanted and well paired, it's drinking remarkably beautifully now.“

- 98 Punkte WINESPECTATOR, MaryAnn Worobiec: „A remarkable wine, bursting with complexity and intensity but on a polished, mouthcoating and juicy frame, which makes this easy to enjoy now. Features chicory, sarsaparilla, dark chocolate and salted caramel notes that mingle with ripe black cherry, framboise and huckleberry flavors, backed by hints of almond paste and savory details of cured meat and fresh-crushed rosemary that linger on the epic finish. Drink now through 2045.“

- 98 Punkte VINOUS, Angus Hughson: „The 2018 Grange Bin 95 is an ulta-premium bland of Shiraz and 3% cabernet Sauvignon. It will go down as one oft he great Grange vintages with immaculate balance and poise despite immense concentration. The sheer density offruit is breath-taking, with exceptional vitality also on display. There is a dense, muscular core of fruit including blackberries, licorice, tar and dried sage in perfect alignment with decadent but well integrated American oak. Despite superb palate concentration, it is also surprisingly light on ist feet and vibrant with wave of brooding dark berry fruit and soy sauce flavours. A deep well of tannins also support analmost endless and distinguished finish. This will age incredily well and improve for decades.“

- 98 Punkte VINOUS, Josh Raynolds: „Inky, bright-rimmed violet. A kaleidoskopic, penetrating bouquet evokes ripe black and blue fruit preserves, espresso, cola, incense, coconut and Moroccan spices, alonng with a smoky mineral topnote. Shows superb clarity and mineral lift tot he sweet, deeply concentrated black currant, bitter cherry, dark chocolate, fruitcake and mocha flavors, which are sharpened by a spicy element. A vein of juicy acidity adds support and drives a wonderfully long, smoky finish that leaves a suave floral note behind.“

- 19++ Punkte JANCIS ROBINSON: „97% Shiraz, 3% Cabernet Sauvignon. Aged 18 months in American oak (100% new).
Like the great wines of the world, there is something instantly impressive about the nose. It's the extra degree of purity and clarity of aroma, and the seamlessness of the palate. Uncannily soft tannins, a temptress to drink now. Layers and layers of flavour. Long, long persistence and development.“