The release of the delicious 2024 Penfolds Special Shiraz, a commemorative bottling to celebrate the 75th anniversary of Grange, will no doubt stimulate plenty of interest and debate among those who follow the Penfolds story. The wine is essentially an homage to Grange without being Grange, an unusual yet imaginative way of celebrating a significant milestone. But despite the reverential touch points that surrounds this release, the wine does deliver the Penfolds red wine experience in spades. For aspirational buyers, the soupçon of Grange real estate in the blend will resonate. But ultimately this is a classic Penfolds red wine, that shows the loveliness and buoyancy of shiraz, while highlighting the genius of multi-regional sourcing and blending.
For aspirational buyers, the soupçon of Grange real estate in the blend will resonate.
2024 Penfolds Special Shiraz, South Australia
Deep crimson. Fresh black cherry, dark chocolate, chinotto aromas with roasted walnut notes. Well concentrated black cherry pastille, blackberry, praline flavours, fine chocolaty/ gravelly textures, very good mid palate volume and underlying roasted walnut, hint marzipan notes. Finishes chocolaty/ velvety and long. A classical Penfolds release with ample dark berry fruits, lovely volume and generosity. 12 months maturation in 17% new American and 83% seasoned French oak hogsheads. Barossa Valley, McLaren Vale, Clare Valley, Padthaway, Wrattonbully 14.5% alc Drink now – 2038+ 95 points
2026 Penfolds Bin 51 Riesling, Eden Valley – South Australia
Pale colour. Fresh limes, grapefruit and tonic water aromas with flinty nuances. Very expressive palate with ample citrus, grapefruit, ripe red apple flavours, lovely mid palate volume, light chalky textures and persistent crunchy acidity. Minerally and fruit-sweet at the finish. Early picked style with superb purity of fruit, generosity and line. Delicious and refreshing early to mid-term drinking. Drink now – 2030+ 11.5% alc 96 points
