Penfolds Grange 2018 is one of the most universally acclaimed releases in the wine’s history — awarded a perfect 100 points by seven independent critics, including Andrew Caillard MW, Ken Gargett (World of Fine Wine), Nick Stock (JamesSuckling.com), Tony Love, Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Anders Enquist (Livets Goda), and Wilfred Wong (Wine.com). A blend of Shiraz (97%) and Cabernet Sauvignon (3%) sourced from Barossa Valley, McLaren Vale, and Clare Valley, the 2018 Grange is truly alive — a wine of extraordinary depth, tannin structure, and longevity that transforms with every minute of air. As Peter Gago reflects: “’78, ’98 and ’08 Granges… three favourites. The 2018 Grange? Just graduated, add to the list!” Peak drinking 2028 to 2068.
Appearance
Radiant deep red on the rim with a black core — brooding, concentrated, and commanding in the glass.
Aroma
So definitively Grange. An immediate assault of piercing volatile acidity — masterfully dialled up — a portal of pulsating formics tempered by relaxed barrel-ferment notes. Waves of lingering and layered aromatics follow: ripe blackberries and blackcurrant reduction laced with fennel and anise; dark chocolate, cocoa powder, and cola; charcoaled lamb fat and raw wagyu carpaccio amid caper berries authenticate the Shiraz DNA. A modicum of modesty attempts to conceal all beneath a blackened veil of hydrocarbon shoe polish, sootiness, and coal dust. A subtle yet complexing higher-tone mahogany and piano polish lacquer — derived from the earth, not the oak — completes a bouquet of extraordinary intrigue. A trepidant tension unfolds: youthful fruitiness wrestling an inky and dense powerhouse.
Palate
Balance and shape — classy and poised, yet unmistakably Grange. Familial flavours of a deconstructed Black Forest cake and trifle — chocolate, custard, bright wild raspberry, and redcurrant. Mushroom pâté and duxelles with a beefy accompaniment, sarsaparilla whirled into the mix, and an assortment of fresh red and black liquorice straight out of the bag. A tactile overdose — omnipresent and even tannins, mouthcoating — a confluence of tannin, acidity, oak, and fruit all joyously meshed together. A convex mid-palate with a strong core generously supports upfront palate grip and a continuum of delight all the way to a lengthy, lingering finish. Truly alive. Upon sitting and with air, all transforms. A second revised tasting note can definitely wait — there will be ample opportunity over the next half-century.
Pairs With
Aged prime beef, slow-roasted lamb, game, truffle-based dishes, and the finest hard cheeses. A wine that demands a table — and a half-century — of equal ambition.
Reviews
100 Points — Andrew Caillard MW
100 Points — Ken Gargett, World of Fine Wine
100 Points — Nick Stock, JamesSuckling.com
100 Points — Tony Love
100 Points — Lisa Perrotti-Brown
100 Points — Anders Enquist, Livets Goda
100 Points — Wilfred Wong, Wine.com
“Overheard: ‘We’ve been waiting for this one!’ No expectations at all. Really?!? ’78, ’98 and ’08 Granges… three favourites. The 2018 Grange? Just graduated, add to the list!”
— Peter Gago, Penfolds Chief Winemaker
