| Region | |
|---|---|
| Subregion | Australia > South Australia |
| Colour | Red |
| Type | Still |
Penfolds’ renowned 2000 Grange is only the fifth vintage to be made from 100% Shiraz (the others being 1951, 1952, 1963, and 1999). It is also, atypically, 100% Barossa fruit. While it is not considered to be one of the great Granges, the 2000 exhibits outstanding potential, and is much more accessible than usual. One of the top wines I tasted from this vintage (which has had to take a back seat to subsequent years), its dense ruby/purple color is followed by a big, sweet nose of blackberries, cherries, chocolate, and earth. With decent acidity, ripe, silky tannin, superb intensity, wonderful equilibrium, and a more open-knit, softer, accessible style than usual, it can be drunk now or cellared for 15-16 years. While this is no wimpy wine, it is an ideal example for readers who are unwilling to invest the patience required for the big, blockbuster Granges.
I had both the 2000 and 1994 of Grange last year - this one in New York at a wonderful dinner at Vaucluse, and the other at home with friends. Both were incredible, but I picked this because I love it when the less celebrated vintages deliver so strongly. This is Shiraz (although sorry, I will always prefer saying Syrah) at its finest; densely coloured, dripping in chocolate and damson, pure and intense but open and ready to drink. Confident, but full of emotion.
Drinking Window 2019 - 2040
This is not a bad wine but it's a disappointment for the legendary Grange. Firm and chewy, it should soften with time, but it has a strong gamy note running through the earthy, spicy finish and falls way short on fruit character. Best after 2008.
Produced from 100% Shiraz, the 2000 Grange was adversely affected by unusual rains in late February and early March, which disrupted the ripening as well as the harvest. The winemaking team at Grange thinks it will be a medium-weight example to drink early. It reveals a deep ruby/purple color, sweet black currant flavors, and plenty of charm, seductiveness, and purity. It should be approachable when released in 2006. Anticipated maturity: 2006-2018.
A 100% Shiraz cuvee, the unusual rains in late February and early March disrupted the ripening and harvesting. The winemaking team at Grange thinks it will be a medium-weight Grange to drink early. Certainly the wine showed deep ruby/purple color, sweet black currant flavors, and plenty of charm, seductiveness, and exceptional purity. This wine should be very approachable when released in four years. Anticipated maturity: 2005-2016.
