| Region | |
|---|---|
| Subregion | Australia > South Australia |
| Colour | Red |
| Type | Still |
2011 was of course a difficult, uncharacteristically rainy vintage in South Australia and particularly Barossa, but thanks to Penfolds’ privileged position with access to some of the region’s best fruit, they have nonetheless been able to blend an impressive Grange. Still sourced mainly from Barossa Valley, there’s a good dollop of McLaren Vale fruit (21%) – a region less affected by the rains in 2011 - contributing to this vintage. Interestingly, it is the 6th vintage ever to consist of 100% Shiraz, mainly because the Cabernet Sauvignon didn't make the grade this year. (Note that no Bin 707 Cabernet Sauvignon was produced in 2011.) Deep purple colored, in typical fashion the nose of the 2011 Grange is still closed at this youthful stage with broody tar and pepper laced notes over a core of blackberries, black plums, licorice and loam. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is taut and muscular with pepper and baking spice flavors supported by firm, grainy tannins. The finish has great length, contributing a refreshing lift.
The 2011 Grange doesn’t let the side down, in that it has the diagnostic excitement the Grange name triggers, and it’s vivid and concentrated. The fruit is less plump and swelling than in recent vintages, and the palate more edgy and crenellated; the flavours flirt with prunes and coffee. But it remains a remarkably concentrated, engaging and un-ordinary wine.
The 2011 Grange is 100% Shiraz, for only the 6th time in the wine's history. Deep purple in colour., the nose is one of creamy, rich black fruits. Still very youthful, it starts to release notes of vanilla, sweet spice and menthol after some time in the glass. The palate is pure and focused, with a black fruit core that is ripe but marked by minerality, with layers of spice, struck flint, and crushed black cherries. The tannins are firm and grippy as you would expect, and will need five more years to fully integrate into the wine, but this perfectly balanced and more lifted, mineral Grange should be delicious to drink younger than many other vintages. The finish is long, complex and lifted, with both sweet and savoury spices layered over the lingering fruit.
Cool, minty and fresh, with lots of dry chewiness. Austere and rather hard work at present, though there is a lot packed in. Inkissimo!
