Penfolds Grange
No winemaker in Australia has achieved more prestige in recent decades than Penfolds. They have been consistently making the country's most sought-after wines for decades in the leafy southeastern Adelaide region. In fact, in 2012 Penfolds launches 12 special bottles of 2004 Block 42 in glass ampoules, each housed in a specially crafted cabinet. They release these exceptional bottles for AUD 168,000 (just over 100,000 euros) each, making them the most expensive wines in the world.
However, the wine with which Penfolds makes its biggest impression worldwide is the Grange, which can be considered the wine company's signature wine. Not only because of the high ratings but also because of the remarkable story behind it.
The story behind the Grange
The first Penfolds vines are planted in 1844 by Mary and Christopher Penfold, who have just emigrated from Europe. Christopher, a doctor by trade, initially produces fortified wines, mostly for medical use. He isn't content to stop there, slowly and surely producing wines for a wider market. Mary takes over leadership and by 1907 with their daughter at the helm, they become Australia's largest wine producer.
Already a household name in Australia, the road to worldwide fame starts with an unlikely character - Max Schubert. Originally an errand boy at the estate, he rises to become their first chief winemaker in 1948. In 1949, whilst touring wine estates in Europe he is inspired by the complex aromas of wine from Burgundy and Bordeaux and their taste as they age. At that time Australian wines are made, by Penfolds and other producers, to be drunk young.
Schubert's dream is to produce an Australian table wine for cellaring. The wine made from Syrah is named Grange Hermitage, 'Grange' after the Penfold family cottage and 'Hermitage' after a French appellation. In 1951 Schubert produces his experimental "maiden vintage". The first commercial vintage follows in 1952.
Schubert's experiment is initially far from received positively. By 1957 the Penfold's management orders a production cease after initial unfavourable reception. However, Schubert proves himself to be a go-getter with a clear vision and he continues to produce the wine in secret. When the first vintage turns ten years old, Schubert has the wine tasted again, this time convincing the critics. Schubert's vision becomes reality and his Grange becomes one of the most famous wines in the world.
A fitting symbol for vision and determination is the 1990 vintage. Wine Spectator gives the wine the prestigious title of 'Red Wine of the Year 1995' in 1995. James Halliday praises the wine highly:
The 1990 Grange and the also excellently rated 2000 Grange can be found in lots 3223 to 3226. In lots 3221 & 3222 you will see the Chardonnay 'Yattarna Bin 133' and the Shiraz 'RWT'.
However, the wine with which Penfolds makes its biggest impression worldwide is the Grange, which can be considered the wine company's signature wine. Not only because of the high ratings but also because of the remarkable story behind it.
The story behind the Grange
The first Penfolds vines are planted in 1844 by Mary and Christopher Penfold, who have just emigrated from Europe. Christopher, a doctor by trade, initially produces fortified wines, mostly for medical use. He isn't content to stop there, slowly and surely producing wines for a wider market. Mary takes over leadership and by 1907 with their daughter at the helm, they become Australia's largest wine producer.
Already a household name in Australia, the road to worldwide fame starts with an unlikely character - Max Schubert. Originally an errand boy at the estate, he rises to become their first chief winemaker in 1948. In 1949, whilst touring wine estates in Europe he is inspired by the complex aromas of wine from Burgundy and Bordeaux and their taste as they age. At that time Australian wines are made, by Penfolds and other producers, to be drunk young.
Schubert's dream is to produce an Australian table wine for cellaring. The wine made from Syrah is named Grange Hermitage, 'Grange' after the Penfold family cottage and 'Hermitage' after a French appellation. In 1951 Schubert produces his experimental "maiden vintage". The first commercial vintage follows in 1952.
Schubert's experiment is initially far from received positively. By 1957 the Penfold's management orders a production cease after initial unfavourable reception. However, Schubert proves himself to be a go-getter with a clear vision and he continues to produce the wine in secret. When the first vintage turns ten years old, Schubert has the wine tasted again, this time convincing the critics. Schubert's vision becomes reality and his Grange becomes one of the most famous wines in the world.
A fitting symbol for vision and determination is the 1990 vintage. Wine Spectator gives the wine the prestigious title of 'Red Wine of the Year 1995' in 1995. James Halliday praises the wine highly:
“Destined to be one of the greatest Granges. A beautifully weighted and concentrated bouquet, with seamless fruit and oak; masses of dark cherries and plum. In the mouth a superb wine; while the fruit is opulent, it is not excessively so; indeed there is a touch of near austerity to the fine tannins to give the wine both character and balance. The iron fist in a velvet glove.” – (97 pt James Halliday, Wine Atlas Australia, 2011)
The 1990 Grange and the also excellently rated 2000 Grange can be found in lots 3223 to 3226. In lots 3221 & 3222 you will see the Chardonnay 'Yattarna Bin 133' and the Shiraz 'RWT'.