Grange 2021 Gift Box
Penfolds
Grange 2021 Gift Box
Overview
Overview
Grange stands as the most powerful expression of Penfolds multi-vineyard, multi-regional blending philosophy and is officially listed as a Heritage Icon of South Australia. Crafted from fully ripe, intensely flavoured Shiraz, it delivers a unique Australian style acclaimed among the world’s greatest wines. With an unbroken line of vintages since the experimental 1951, each release demonstrates the enduring synergy between Shiraz and the soils and climates of South Australia, extending the vision and unwavering conviction of its creator, Max Schubert.
The 2021 vintage is immediately recognisable as Grange – expansive, bouyant and complex. Presented in a signature Grange gift box, this release exudes both pedigree and presence. A true collector’s piece with timeless appeal.
| Varietal | Shiraz |
|---|---|
| Vintage | 2021 |
| Country | Australia |
| Region | Multi Region |
| Volume | 750 mL |
| Closure | Cork |
| Alc/Vol | 14.5% |
| Peak Drinking | 2027 - 2060 |
| Winemaker | The Penfolds Team |
Awards and Accolades
Awards and Accolades
| 100 Points | Ken Gargett |
| 20+/20 from Matthew Jukes |
| 99 Points | Lisa Cardelli |
| 99 Points | Tyson Stelzer |
| 99 Points | Nick Ryan |
| 99 Points | Ray Jordan |
| 99 Points | Dave Brookes, Halliday Wine Companion |
| 98 Points | Huon Hooke |
| 98 Points | Jeni Port |
| 98 Points | Andrew Caillard MW |
| 97+ Points | Campbell Mattinson |
Ken Gargett
"Quite simply, a wow wine. Maroon/black in hue, one simply gets lost in the nose, just endlessly sniffing the most glorious cassis notes, along with black fruits, blueberries, coffee beans, aniseed, mulberries, delicatessen meats, tobacco leaves, plums and graphite. The wine is seamless, intense and immaculate with knife-edge balance. It simply dances with joy. There oak is there, undeniably, but it is so well handled that you almost have to think twice. So complex already, and yet so harmonious and decadent. Silky tannins, bright acidity, the intensity never wavers for an instant and there is incredible length – Rutherglen muscat length. This is as close to a perfect Grange as I can imagine. Fifty years, if you think you can last that long. A Lord-take-me-now wine, if ever there was one. 100 Points."
Matthew Jukes
"This is a spectacular Grange. This will go down as another landmark Grange… I have never tasted a Grange with this individuality and presence. 20+/20 Points."
Tyson Stelzer
"The dream combination of a cool spring, average summer and mild autumn furnished slow and even ripening. The wizardry of Peter Gago and his team have juggled this juxtaposition with masterful skill. A core of black fruits of all kinds reverberates with dramatic power, accented with liquorice straps, sarsaparilla and high cocoa dark chocolate. The signature volatile acidity of Grange has been impeccably judged. The tannin profile is a wonder to behold, a captivating splay of fine-grained fruit and oak structure that envelops the mouth, wonderfully elevated and interlocked with cool season acidity. This is a vintage that demands at least 30 years before approaching and will confidently continue to marvel for half a century and perhaps beyond. Drink: 2051-2071. 99 Points."
Taste Description
Taste Description
Nose
A nexus of fruits/oak/barrel-ferment. As one. Grange. A valiant attempt to untangle this aromatic Shiraz assault… initially scents of grated dark chocolate and Copha revealed – propelled by tell-tale V.A. and formics coupled with barrel-ferment nuances. Then an elution of marbled meats, beef fat, and marrow. Pan juices follow… laced with a balsamic glaze, soy and spice (poppy/ sesame seed mix, frankincense). Youthful. Expectantly, at this early stage, little attempt to immediately charm/gratify. Patience.!
Flavours and Palate
An instant cornucopia of Grange markers – where to begin?! This 2021 vintage is certainly expansive across the palate. Three sources and three dimensions induce ‘blackness’ via selective Barossa/McLaren Vale/Clare Valley fruit sourcing and thereafter formidable structural length/width/depth stature. A vortex of mid-palate sumptuousness, framed by sleek, dusty tannins, and chocolatey/brûléed-suggestive oak. Less blurred are the Clare Valley sourcing descriptor giveaways – Dutch liquorice and menthol. Maybe, from Barossa – soaked dark satsuma plum, star anise, and roast quince? Tomorrow, a different reveal. Can’t wait!
Viticulture Vintage & Winemaking
Viticulture Vintage & Winemaking
Vintage Conditions
The Barossa Valley’s growing season was influenced by climatic swings. Winter delivered less rainfall than usual, particularly in July, but an unexpectedly wet August improved soil moisture in time for budburst and flowering. Spring brought cooler temperatures, affecting the accumulation of early growing degree days. Despite some February showers, La Niña did not significantly affect the region, which, along with mild March and April weather, allowed for an even, orderly harvest of high-quality Shiraz grapes. McLaren Vale experienced a temperate year, marked by a dry July followed by beneficial spring rains. The summer was forgiving, with just a few days over 35°C. The region benefited from a cooler end to the season, resulting in an extended ripening period and an orderly harvest. Clare Valley’s winter also saw below-average rainfall, but August rains came to the rescue. The yields in Clare Valley were low, particularly in dry-grown blocks, but the quality of fruit was exceptional. The mild conditions experienced by the three regions delivered exceptional parcels of Shiraz.
The Penfolds Team
Key to the success of Penfolds has been a lineage of visionary winemakers. There have only ever been four Chief Winemakers at the helm of Penfolds – Max Schubert, Don Ditter, John Duval and Peter Gago, each a custodian of a rich winemaking tradition that goes back for more than 170 years.
Our current Penfolds winemaking team has more than 100 years between them as Penfolds winemakers. They are constantly refining and improving their work, whilst honouring the winemaking techniques of their predecessors.