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Penfolds Grange 2002
From humble beginnings in the 1950s, Grange has maintained its place as Australia's most prestigious red wine over four decades. Today, it is a wine of international renown, with each vintage eagerly awaited by collectors both in Australia and overseas. The 2002 is made of 99% Shiraz and 1% Cabernet, and was aged for 15 months in new American oak hogsheads. Already being called a legend in the making, the 2002 Grange was rated 97 points by Jeremy Oliver who is considered the top wine critic in Australia. A wine to drink now or cellar for 20 plus years.
Wine Advocate
Last but not least is Australia’s most famous wine, the 2002 Shiraz “Grange”. The 2002 version was sourced from 77.5% Barossa Valley and 22.5% from McLaren Vale. Included in the blend is 1.5% Cabernet Sauvignon. It spent 17 months in 100% new American oak. Opaque purple, it gives off an ethereal bouquet of violets, saddle leather, blueberry, blackberry, pencil lead, and chocolate. This is followed by a full-bodied wine with tremendous concentration, multiple layers of flavor, ripe tannins, and great balance. Thick and rich, with a 60-second finish, it will slowly blossom over the next 15-20 years and provide pleasure through 2050. It is a legend in the making!
Score: 98.
October
2007.
Wine Spectator
Lithe, almost subtle, this is a dense, powerful wine that plays its plum and currant fruit against deft nuances of pepper, coffee and sassafras. Finishes with vibrant acidity that elevates the fruit and spice. A graceful wine that needs cellaring to grow into itself. Best from 2010 through 2020.
Score: 95.
—Harvey Steiman,
September
30,
2007.
Wine Enthusiast
The bulk of this year’s Grange (77.5%) is from Barossa, with the remainder coming from McLaren Vale. It starts off with scents of maple syrup and lightly caramelized blackberries, plums and a hint of mocha, while on the palate it turns rich and creamy in texture with the bold fruit underscored by vanilla. There’s plenty of power here, but it’s restrained and tight. Give it until 2015 or so, after which it should last two decades or more.
Score: 95.
—Joe Czerwinski,
November
01,
2007.
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