The world might look very different to 1951, when Penfolds released its first experimental Grange, but the flagship wine has stood the test of time. The winery has released its 2017 Grange, two new limited editions, and The Penfolds Australian Collection 2021.
Grange’s style and the winemaking techniques used to create it have not altered since the experimental vintages of the early 50s. Penfolds said Grange was admired for its “aromatic complexity, intensely rich fruit and ripe tannins”.
Penfolds chief winemaker Peter Gago said, “The original aspiration for Grange was to create a red wine ‘capable of staying alive for a minimum of 20 years. Tell that to sexagenarian vintages such as 52, 53, 55 and 62! Stunningly drinkable in 2021! In modern parlance – under-promise, over-deliver! Long may it continue ... and modern Grange vintages such as 08, 10 and 16 patiently await judgement in 2071!”
While celebrating the elder it has embraced the new, launching two limited-edition “sibling” wines made from parcels Superblend 802.A and 802.B Cabernet Shiraz. Penfolds said the pair represent two “unique interpretations of the iconic Australian unique blend, Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz.
Gago the two were “immediately Penfolds, yet different”, with attributes that would “challenge and engage”.
“Spoilt by choice – A-Grade cabernet sauvignon and A-Grade shiraz from a wonderful harvest; French and American oak barrels of the highest quality ... and that much-coveted ingredient, time. And, winemaking blending freedom to re-configure the expected,” said Gago.
The two are designed to be collected and will be released sequentially. Penfolds 2018 Superblend 802.A Cabernet Shiraz will be available in 750ml (RRP AUD$900) and 1.5L (RRP AUD$2,250) formats from September 2021. Superblend 802.B will be released in August 2022.
The company said its 2021 Penfolds Australia Collection was “testament to the enduring house style that Penfolds winemakers have upheld for over 177 years”, with multi-region and multi-vineyard blends, single-region wines and a single-vineyard wine.
“The Bins exhibit a savoury theme that runs through the 2019 reds, emphasised in the 2019 Bin 150 Marananga Shiraz which is reflective of the Barossa Valley in this year.
“Like most Penfolds wines, the new vintage red and white wines will continue to develop and improve for many years after release. Just how long they should be kept depends on whether you enjoy your wine with some youthfulness or fully matured with that added complexity of bottle age.
“In its entirety, this new Collection displays red wines of distinctive refinement and cellaring potential, and white wines which deliver on complexity and flavour,” Penfolds said.
The Australia Collection 2021 wines are available at Penfolds Cellar Doors (Magill Estate Winery and Barossa Valley Cellar Door) and select fine wine stores globally.
