Description
Penfolds’ triumph can be attributed to a lineage of visionary individuals and trailblazing innovators.
Since its inception in 1844 and continuing to the present day, the fusion of science, artistry, and ground-breaking ideas has propelled Penfolds to the forefront of Australia’s esteemed winemaking landscape.
With an unwavering commitment to excellence, Penfolds has earned a well-deserved reputation as one of the country’s most renowned and highly regarded winemakers.
Established by Dr Christopher and Mary Penfold at Magill Estate in 1844, the founders embarked on planting the vine cuttings they had carefully transported during their voyage to Australia after the triumph of early sherries and fortified wines.
With the company’s expansion, Dr.
Penfold’s medical reputation flourished, allowing Mary Penfold to assume a greater role in running the winery.
The early explorations into crafting Clarets and Rieslings garnered growing popularity, and upon Christopher’s passing in 1870, Mary took on full responsibility for the winery.
Under Mary’s leadership, Penfolds experienced an era marked by determination and unwavering dedication.
Upon Mary Penfold’s retirement in 1884, passing the management reins to her daughter, Georgina, Penfolds had already established itself as a formidable force, accounting for one-third of South Australia’s total wine production.
Mary’s pioneering spirit and commitment to innovation set an enduring agenda that continues to shape Penfolds’ practices to this day.
By the time of her passing in 1896, the foundation of the Penfolds legacy had been firmly laid.
This legacy bore fruit, and by 1907, Penfolds had emerged as the largest winery in South Australia.
A significant milestone occurred in 1948 when Max Schubert assumed the role of Penfolds’ inaugural Chief Winemaker.
Demonstrating unwavering loyalty and a penchant for innovation, Schubert embarked on a remarkable journey that would elevate Penfolds to international acclaim.
It was during the 1950s that Schubert’s ground-breaking experimentation with the production of long-lasting wines led to the creation of the iconic Penfolds Grange, catapulting the winery onto the global stage.
Schubert’s visionary contributions left an indelible mark on Penfolds’ legacy.
In 1959, while Schubert meticulously refined his groundbreaking Grange experiment in clandestine fashion, Penfolds embarked on another significant tradition known as ‘bin wines.’ The inaugural creation was a Shiraz crafted from the esteemed grapes of Penfolds’ own vineyards in the Barossa Valley.
This exceptional wine was aptly named after the storage location in the cellars where it gracefully matured.
Thus, the iconic Kalimna Bin 28 emerged as the very first official wine bearing a Penfolds Bin number, marking the inception of a cherished lineage.
In the late 20th century, the Penfolds board issued a decisive instruction to Max Schubert, urging him to resume the production of Grange.
Schubert’s unwavering determination and the undeniable excellence of the aged wine had swayed their decision.
Before long, accolades and awards started pouring in, solidifying Grange’s status as one of the world’s most revered wines.
In a testament to Schubert’s exceptional contributions, he was honoured with the prestigious title of Decanter Magazine’s Man of the Year in 1988.
Furthermore, on the momentous occasion of its 50th anniversary, Penfolds Grange was granted a heritage listing in South Australia, underscoring its enduring significance and cultural value.
Despite achieving tremendous success, Penfolds consistently refuses to rest on its laurels and Grange, the epitome of Penfolds’ multi-district, multi-vineyard blending philosophy, stands as the pinnacle of Australian winemaking and holds an esteemed position as an officially recognized Heritage Icon of South Australia.
This extraordinary wine represents the most powerful manifestation of Penfolds’ unwavering commitment to crafting exceptional blends sourced from diverse vineyards across different regions.
Grange has garnered widespread acclaim and is revered as a symbol of Australia’s winemaking prowess, capturing the hearts of wine enthusiasts worldwide.
Grange blossoms with 15 to 20 years of bottle age and better vintages can live and continue developing for decades.
In combination with new American oak, it is decadently rich with layer upon layer of flavour 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.
The 1993 vintage is drinking well, but will improve with time.
Peak drinking now to 2028.
A blend of 86 percent shiraz, 14 percent cabernet sauvignon – the highest percentage of cabernet sauvignon in the history of Grange.
Medium to full
