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Penfolds Grange South Australia Shiraz 2001
It is always a treat to taste Australia's most famous wine, Penfolds' Grange cuvee (the word Hermitage has been dropped because of legal issues). The 2001 Grange is one of the few vintages of this cuvee to be composed of 100% Shiraz (the others being 1951, 1952, 1963, 1999, and 2000). Aged 17 months in 100% American oak, and tipping the scales at 14.5% alcohol, the 2001 is undeniably one of the top examples of this wine. At this stage, it appears to eclipse the 1998 and 1996. Inky/blue/purple to the rim, with a stunning perfume of blueberries, blackberries, chocolate, graphite, and earth, it boasts good acidity, huge tannins, magnificent concentration, and a multilayered, textured mouthfeel. It is a big, but impeccably well-balanced Shiraz that should shed some of its structure and tannin over the next 4-5 years, and be at its best between 2010-2030+. Robert Parker
Ratings on Delectable
Lee Pitofsky 
An absolute monster of a wine. Hits you with waves and waves of layered flavors and with an incredibly regal texture and mouthfeel. It’s hard to believe this wine is 20 years old. An original 3 hour decant did not suffice, but an additional 2 did the trick, subsiding an initial whiff of VA to reveal blackberry pie, Christmas spice, kirsch cherry liquor and hints of mocha. There is superb depth and concentration that leads to a long and palate caressing finish. A well stored bottle of this wine is no where near full maturity. Majestic is the word for this.
An absolute monster of a wine. Hits you with waves and waves of layered flavors and with an incredibly regal texture and mouthfeel. It’s hard to believe this wine is 20 years old. An original 3 hour decant did not suffice, but an additional 2 did the trick, subsiding an initial whiff of VA to reveal blackberry pie, Christmas spice, kirsch cherry liquor and hints of mocha. There is superb depth and concentration that leads to a long and palate caressing finish. A well stored bottle of this wine is no where near full maturity. Majestic is the word for this.
9.7
David Langstaff
Oh my. Perfect. Great wine at the right time. Fruit is there but dark and balanced with the earthy foundation. Lasts forever. Bouquet is magnificent. A little sweeter than the taste, which also balances well. Just a magnificent wine. Memo to self: wait at least 15 years for a good Syrah. 19 yrs here is perfect!
Oh my. Perfect. Great wine at the right time. Fruit is there but dark and balanced with the earthy foundation. Lasts forever. Bouquet is magnificent. A little sweeter than the taste, which also balances well. Just a magnificent wine. Memo to self: wait at least 15 years for a good Syrah. 19 yrs here is perfect!
9.6
Loren Grossman
Vintner Wilde Farm Wines
A big mouthful of wine. Lavishly oaked with plenty of structure. Fruit is showing some maturity. Not sure if this will ever knit. I would give it a splash decant and fire away. Yummy!
A big mouthful of wine. Lavishly oaked with plenty of structure. Fruit is showing some maturity. Not sure if this will ever knit. I would give it a splash decant and fire away. Yummy!
9.3
DLynn
Penfolds Ambassador
Bloody hell
Bloody hell
9.7Chris Walter
Wine Director Heritage Food and Wine
Boozy monster
Boozy monster
9.4Peter Mansell
2001 vintage
2001 vintage
8.9Christopher Sprague
Really showing well. It needed 4 hours open to start being showy but once it started to get going it really took off.
Really showing well. It needed 4 hours open to start being showy but once it started to get going it really took off.
9.5
Ludovic Anacleto
I am baffled by this wine. Really, what a magnificent, brilliant, superlative wine. I cannot recall a single wine that gave me such an intensity, a clap in my face like this Grange. Here, Australia shows that you can be super ripe yet succulent and balanced. A true masterpiece. I am in love.
I am baffled by this wine. Really, what a magnificent, brilliant, superlative wine. I cannot recall a single wine that gave me such an intensity, a clap in my face like this Grange. Here, Australia shows that you can be super ripe yet succulent and balanced. A true masterpiece. I am in love.
9.8Ludovic Anacleto
Syrah at its peak! Peppery at first, it builds really well in the glass. The nose is precise and opulent. Roasted figs and spices are present as well. This definitely needs more time. I love the elegance in Grange, I think this is what make it special compared to other great Shiraz of Australia. Not the terroir driven style of Hill of Grace but really well crafted indeed. Give it 10 years to enjoy with softer tannins
Syrah at its peak! Peppery at first, it builds really well in the glass. The nose is precise and opulent. Roasted figs and spices are present as well. This definitely needs more time. I love the elegance in Grange, I think this is what make it special compared to other great Shiraz of Australia. Not the terroir driven style of Hill of Grace but really well crafted indeed. Give it 10 years to enjoy with softer tannins
9.5
Yoon Ha
Master Sommelier/Wine Director Benu
Still way too young. Thin mints and Girl Scout cookies.
Still way too young. Thin mints and Girl Scout cookies.
8.2
See all reviews and ratings on Delectable WARNING: DRINKING DISTILLED SPIRITS, BEER, COOLERS, WINE AND OTHER ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES MAY INCREASE CANCER RISK, AND, DURING PREGNANCY, CAN CAUSE BIRTH DEFECTS.