93 Points Robert Parker
A very hedonistic, almost decadent style of Grange, this blend of 91% Shiraz and 9% Cabernet Sauvignon from three grape sources - Kalimna in the Barossa, Penfolds'' other sources in the Barossa, and McLaren Vale - is a gorgeously opulent, almost Pomerol-like Grange with an over-ripe characteristic to the fruit. Cherry liqueur intermixed with cranberry and cassis presented in a seductive, full-bodied, very soft, forward style is truly not the classic Grange in the sense of having huge structure and massive concentration, but this wine is loaded, very corpulent, and fleshy. The wine is going to last for up to two decades, but it will be uncommonly succulent and delicious to drink young, as it was several months ago. Among the young vintages of Grange, this is perhaps the most flattering wine that they have produced over the last 20 years, at least for such a relatively young wine. Anticipated maturity: now-2018.
Source: Robert Parker (eRobertParker.com) by Robert M. Parker, Jr. January, 2002
93 Points Robert Parker
Production: 19,420 cases of 6 Blend: 91% Shiraz/9% Cabernet Sauvignon
Source: Robert Parker (Robert Parker Wine Advocate) by Robert M. Parker, Jr. August, 1995
98 Points Hooke
The only thing to add to my June tasting note is the subtle traces of mint and raisin in the bouquet. The concentration is awesome and the depth of flavour and length of persistence stunning. A ripping wine, especially considering it’s not a starred vintage. Drink 2023 - 2023.
Huon Hooke, The Real Review. August, 2023
98 Points Hooke
Deep brick-red with a tawny-brown edge, looking very mature. Lovely old-shiraz bouquet of licorice/aniseed, roasted nuts, dried figs and dried cranberries. Mocha and cocoa-powder. A magical bouquet of a fully mature wine of pedigree. Palate is supple and fleshy, smooth and mellow, fully develped and gloriously complex, the tannins still present and subtly drying, the aftertaste long and loaded with licorice, raisins and figs, still with wonderful fruit sweetness at the core. A real treat to taste. Drink 2023 - 2023.
Huon Hooke, The Real Review. June, 2023
93 Points Hooke
Fully mature, with a deep, burnished brick-red colour and aromas of liquorice, mint, roasted meats and toasty earthy bottle-aged overtones. It's certainly very mature but is still robust and full-bodied, concentrated and powerful, a true Grange if not quite a great one.
Huon Hooke, The Real Review. January, 2020
RP 93 points: A very hedonistic, almost decadent style of Grange, this blend of 91% Shiraz and 9% Cabernet Sauvignon from three grape sources - Kalimna in the Barossa, Penfolds' other sources in the Barossa, and McLaren Vale - is a gorgeously opulent, almost Pomerol-like Grange with an over-ripe characteristic to the fruit. Cherry liqueur intermixed with cranberry and cassis presented in a seductive, full-bodied, very soft, forward style is truly not the classic Grange in the sense of having huge structure and massive concentration, but this wine is loaded, very corpulent, and fleshy. The wine is going to last for up to two decades, but it will be uncommonly succulent and delicious to drink young, as it was several months ago. Among the young vintages of Grange, this is perhaps the most flattering wine that they have produced over the last 20 years, at least for such a relatively young wine. Anticipated maturity: now-2018.
93 points. Source: Robert Parker (eRobertParker.com) February 2002 by Robert Parker
note: this bottle may seep a bit during shipping, which is normal for older or ullaged bottles