2008 Penfolds Grange

The 2008 Penfolds Grange is a blend of 98% Shiraz and 2% Cabernet Sauvignon with ageing taking place in new American oak hogsheads for 19 months. Spectacular super saturated inky black purple colour showing impenetrable depth with very deep black purple hue. The aromas explode out the glass – perfumed scents of liquorice, dark chocolate, ripe blackberry and dark plum are overlaid by mocha and subtlety toasted vanillin oak nuances. A sniffer’s paradise!
Opulence, power and decadence grace the palate with super concentrated flavours of ripe blackberry, dark chocolate bullets and dark plum which interplay with mocha and spicy vanillin oak. Firm structured tannins are the order of the day, necessary to handle the power and richness of the fruit providing the wine with a somewhat chewy finish. Exceptional persistence with magnificently long aftertaste of ripe blackberry, dark chocolate, mocha and spicy vanillin oak.
Cellar 15-20 years plus.
Alc 14.5%

Other Reviews….
Very deep garnet-purple in color the 2008 Grange reveals a truly decadent nose with tons of spices, fruit cake and black & blue fruit compote notes along with nuances of chocolate and potpourri. The full and rich, multi-layered palate has a little oak still showing, it is going through a little bit of a structural stand-out stage, but it doesn't detract on the long and complex finish. It still needs a good few years to develop, though this very opulent, expressive Grange shows the very best of this vintage and the vineyards it hails from. Drink 2020 - 2035
100 points
Lisa Perrotti-Brown – Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate

An utterly majestic Shiraz, sleek and seamless, brimming with ripeness on a framework that allows for grace and expressive-ness in equal measure. The intensity of fresh blueberry and plum fruit holds attention until the nuances kick in, offering glints of exotic spice, coffee, cocoa, bay leaf and mint. Shows tremendous presence without a lot of weight, the tannins present but not even close to getting in the way. A great wine now, with plenty of room to grow. Drink now through 2040
100 points
Wine Spectator

The wine contains 98/2% shiraz and cabernet sauvignon, and spent 19 months in new American oak hogsheads in which it finished its fermentation. Densely coloured, it has an ultra-complex bouquet, with black fruits/anise/licorice, easily dealing with the oak; a remarkable wine in every way. The balance, texture and structure are faultless, so much so that the wine achieves elegance now, many years before you would expect that quality to be commented on.
98 points
Australian Wine Companion 2021