Penfolds Grange 1996 is a distinguished release from one of Australia's most celebrated wine labels. Produced from 94% Shiraz and 6% Cabernet Sauvignon, this South Australian vintage reflects the depth, concentration and blending philosophy that have defined Grange for generations.
Following welcome winter rainfall, the 1996 growing season was dry and mild, allowing fruit to develop slowly and evenly. The resulting wine spent 19 months in new American oak. Historical tasting assessments describe dark berries, cinnamon, earthy complexity and roasted nuts, alongside concentrated fruit and a powerful, structured palate.
Now three decades from vintage, Grange 1996 offers collectors and lovers of mature Australian reds an opportunity to explore a particularly compelling period in the wine's history. As with any mature wine, published tasting notes provide historical context rather than a guarantee of the character of an individual bottle today.
Tasting Notes
Appearance: Plum red in historical assessments, with further development expected through bottle age.
Nose: Dark berries, cinnamon, earthy notes and roasted nuts.
Palate: Concentrated berry fruit with substantial power, depth and structure.
Finish: Long and persistent, with lingering dark-fruit and savoury character in published assessments.
Food Pairing
Consider roast beef, slow-cooked lamb, mushroom dishes or mature cheddar. Savoury, substantial dishes provide a natural setting for the wine's historically concentrated and structured character.
Cellaring & Serving
Approach this mature vintage with care. Stand the bottle upright ahead of opening if sediment is expected, and taste a small pour before deciding whether decanting is appropriate. Further cellaring should reflect the individual bottle's condition, provenance and storage history.
Vintage & Winemaking
Produced from 94% Shiraz and 6% Cabernet Sauvignon, the 1996 Grange spent 19 months in new American oak. Winter rainfall replenished vineyard soils ahead of a dry, mild growing season that supported gradual ripening.
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