Penfolds Grange 2008 is one of the most decorated wines in Australian history — awarded a perfect 100 points by both Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate and Wine Spectator, and widely regarded as a generational release. A blend of Shiraz (98%) and Cabernet Sauvignon (2%) sourced from Barossa Valley, Clare Valley, and Magill Estate (Adelaide), matured for 19 months in 100% new American oak hogsheads. Difficult growing conditions were overcome by meticulous vineyard management and proactive fruit selection from earlier-ripening, older vines — escaping the impact of the well-documented 16-day South Australian heatwave. As Peter Gago notes: “No DNA check required — an immediate familial link to the 1998 Grange convincingly transcends both a decade and the transitional closure of a millennium.” A riper-style Grange of marvellous power and density from a classic Penfolds year. Peak drinking 2025 to 2060.
Appearance
Impenetrable dark core with deep crimson intensity — a wine of extraordinary concentration and presence in the glass.
Aroma
Somewhat intimidating? Yes. Brazen? Never. An immediate and powerful lift of cola, soy, hoisin, and red liquorice, propelled by tea-smoke and ferric influences. Nut-husk and tan-bark notes align with lush aromas of ripe fig wrapped in jamón and a panforte plushness. With air, blueberry fruits and mocha arise — the oak (100% new) remaining entirely concealed, lost in the aromatic complexity. Beautiful dark cherry, blackberry pastille, dark chocolate, mocha, and sweet apricot and stone fruit notes complete a bouquet of extraordinary depth.
Palate
A muscular push, wave, and affront across the entire palate — from start to finish. Never oppressive nor ungainly, yet captivatingly forceful. A vinous lava flow of dark liquorice and malt — ‘molten’ — with a self-saucing chocolate pudding richness and blackberry and elderberry fruits. Pronounced tannins are unleashed, and the Clare Valley component makes its 9% presence felt, adding to both the flavour pool and extract. Generously supple and inky, with fine dense chalky tannins, superb mid-palate buoyancy, and underlying mocha notes. The finish is chocolaty firm with plenty of liquorice and long, fresh, ripe sweet tannins. Power and density naturally respectful of balance and structure.
Pairs With
Plum pudding pork rack with swede, quandong, and desert raisin. A wine of this magnitude demands a plate of equal ambition.
Reviews
100 Points — Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate
100 Points — Wine Spectator
“Animated fresh blueberry, mulberry and incense aromas. Beautifully supple and surprisingly graceful with polished tannins, oak complexity and well-integrated acidity.”
— Dr Neil Beckett, World of Fine Wine Magazine
“No DNA check required — an immediate familial link to the 1998 Grange convincingly transcends both a decade and the transitional closure of a millennium.”
— Peter Gago, Penfolds Chief Winemaker
