Penfolds Grange 2000

Penfolds Grange 2000 is a full-bodied Shiraz blend from South Australia. Since its first vintage in 1951, Grange has become the most collectible Australian wine on the market. Typically blended with a small proportion of Cabernet Sauvignon, Grange is renowned for richness, its aromatics and its extraordinary longevity. Penfolds has been in operation at the Magill Estate near Adelaide since 1844 and has become a sine qua non of Australian wine. While it boasts a vast portfolio wines, the pinnacle of its output is Grange, which is arguably the most iconic wine of any New World wine region. "Penfolds` renowned 2000 Grange is only the fifth vintage to be made from 100% Shiraz (the others being 1951, 1952, 1963, and 1999). It is also, atypically, 100% Barossa fruit. While it is not considered to be one of the great Granges, the 2000 exhibits outstanding potential, and is much more accessible than usual. One of the top wines I tasted from this vintage (which has had to take a back seat to subsequent years), its dense ruby/purple colour is followed by a big, sweet nose of blackberries, cherries, chocolate, and earth. With decent acidity, ripe, silky tannin, superb intensity, wonderful equilibrium, and a more open-knit, softer, accessible style than usual, it can be drunk now or cellared for 15-16 years. While this is no wimpy wine, it is an ideal example for readers who are unwilling to invest the patience required for the big, blockbuster Granges." Wine Advocate, 2005