The 2020 Penfolds Grange is a blend of 97% shiraz and 3% cabernet sauvignon from premium vineyards in McLaren Vale, Barossa Valley and Clare Valley. The wine was matured for 20 months in American oak hogsheads (100% new).
"The first sip seduces, the second reminds… Up front red fruits and maraschino cherry flavours quickly transition to the 'Noir-ish' - Black Forest cake, blackberry, black cherry, black … Sitting softens. A Christmas pudding mix of soaked fruits and rind offers a friendly hand. Similarly, talc-like/velvety tannins are non-aggressive, politely acting as a conveyance. They almost appear coupled with cocoa/dark chocolate dust. Texturally woven, with all components well integrated and absorbed… inducing a sensory perception of roundness, of a lush film coated across the palate. Again, oak (sandalwood nuances, not cedar) sensitively stands to one side - its supporting role well scripted. Assured and distinctive, this Grange will appease and reward. Peak drinking 2024 to 2055.
Vintage Conditions: South Australia experienced its second successive winter marked by drought, with the Barossa Valley recording its driest year on record and the Clare Valley experiencing its driest winter in over a century. These arid conditions persisted into spring, leading to delayed flowering and fruit set, underscoring irrigation’s crucial role due to below-average root zone moisture levels. Both the Clare Valley and Barossa Valley regions were touched by September frosts, though losses were alleviated through frost fans. Summer commenced with an intense heatwave across the state, resulting in 26 days above 35°C in the Barossa Valley alone. However, a reprieve came with cooler weather in January and February. McLaren Vale was more fortunate, benefiting from higher-than-average rainfall in February which bolstered vine health for the rest of the growing season. Lower bunch weights and berry counts were recorded across all regions leading to significantly reduced yields. However, these testing conditions often culminate in exceptional quality fruit. Indeed, 2020 saw some remarkable Shiraz crops that have contributed to an opulent expression of Grange." Penfolds
The 2020 Penfolds Grange is a blend of 97% shiraz and 3% cabernet sauvignon from premium vineyards in McLaren Vale, Barossa Valley and Clare Valley. The wine was matured for 20 months in American oak hogsheads (100% new).
"The first sip seduces, the second reminds… Up front red fruits and maraschino cherry flavours quickly transition to the 'Noir-ish' - Black Forest cake, blackberry, black cherry, black … Sitting softens. A Christmas pudding mix of soaked fruits and rind offers a friendly hand. Similarly, talc-like/velvety tannins are non-aggressive, politely acting as a conveyance. They almost appear coupled with cocoa/dark chocolate dust. Texturally woven, with all components well integrated and absorbed… inducing a sensory perception of roundness, of a lush film coated across the palate. Again, oak (sandalwood nuances, not cedar) sensitively stands to one side - its supporting role well scripted. Assured and distinctive, this Grange will appease and reward. Peak drinking 2024 to 2055.
Vintage Conditions: South Australia experienced its second successive winter marked by drought, with the Barossa Valley recording its driest year on record and the Clare Valley experiencing its driest winter in over a century. These arid conditions persisted into spring, leading to delayed flowering and fruit set, underscoring irrigation’s crucial role due to below-average root zone moisture levels. Both the Clare Valley and Barossa Valley regions were touched by September frosts, though losses were alleviated through frost fans. Summer commenced with an intense heatwave across the state, resulting in 26 days above 35°C in the Barossa Valley alone. However, a reprieve came with cooler weather in January and February. McLaren Vale was more fortunate, benefiting from higher-than-average rainfall in February which bolstered vine health for the rest of the growing season. Lower bunch weights and berry counts were recorded across all regions leading to significantly reduced yields. However, these testing conditions often culminate in exceptional quality fruit. Indeed, 2020 saw some remarkable Shiraz crops that have contributed to an opulent expression of Grange." Penfolds
Image 1 of 1
