Penfolds Bin 95 Grange 2020 | South Australia

Winemaking Notes

The most powerful expression of Penfolds multi-vineyard, multi-district blending philosophy, Grange is arguably Australia's most celebrated wine and is officially listed as a Heritage Icon of South Australia. Crafted utilising fully ripe, intensely flavoured and structured Shiraz grapes, the result is a unique Australian style that is now recognised as one of the most consistent of the world's great wines. With an unbroken line of vintages from the experimental 1951, Grange clearly demonstrates the synergy between Shiraz and the soils and climates of South Australia. The 2020 Grange is a blend of 97% Shiraz and 3% Cabernet Sauvignon, sourced from premium vineyards across McLaren Vale, Barossa Valley and Clare Valley. The multi-vineyard, multi-district approach allows Penfolds winemakers to select the finest parcels from each region, creating a wine of exceptional complexity and balance. The winemaking process focuses on extracting maximum flavour and structure from fully ripe grapes, with careful oak maturation adding layers of complexity whilst allowing the fruit to remain the star. This distinctive and assured Grange showcases the hallmarks of a First Growth Australian red.

Vintage Conditions

South Australia experienced its second successive winter marked by drought, with the Barossa Valley recording its driest year on record and the Clare Valley experiencing its driest winter in over a century. These arid conditions persisted into spring, leading to delayed flowering and fruit set, underscoring irrigation's crucial role due to below-average root zone moisture levels. Both the Clare Valley and Barossa Valley regions were touched by September frosts, though losses were alleviated through frost fans. Summer commenced with an intense heatwave across the state, resulting in 26 days above 35°C in the Barossa Valley alone. However, a reprieve came with cooler weather in January and February. McLaren Vale was more fortunate, benefiting from higher-than-average rainfall in February which bolstered vine health for the rest of the growing season. Lower bunch weights and berry counts were recorded across all regions leading to significantly reduced yields. However, these testing conditions often culminate in exceptional quality fruit. Indeed, 2020 saw some remarkable Shiraz crops that have contributed to an opulent expression of Grange.