Penfolds Grange 2017

In 2017, Penfolds have chosen only Shiraz fruit for Grange, which is a little unusual and most recently seen back in 2011 and 2006. It is also only drawn from the Barossa Valley and McLaren Vale, again shunning other regular sources in the Clare Valley, Coonawarra and Magill Estate. These decisions go a long way to explain the wine which does show excellent breadth of black and blue fruits although is a little more open knit at a young age than usual with some baked earth savoury notes aromas already visible. 100% new American oak bolsters its already decadent fruit on the palate to create a bold and aristocratic style. Kirsch, blackberry, chocolate fruits are on display with a core of measured tannins. It’s a four-square vintage – ripe, long and strong – with typically long aging potential.