Penfolds 'Grange' 2011

93 Points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

Deep purple colored, in typical fashion the nose of the 2011 Grange is still closed at this youthful stage with broody tar and pepper laced notes over a core of blackberries, black plums, licorice and loam. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is taut and muscular with pepper and baking spice flavors supported by firm, grainy tannins. The finish has great length, contributing a refreshing lift.

93 Points Vinous Media

Deep ruby. Fragrant aromas of spice- and smoke-accented dark berries and cherry pit. Chewy and focused on the palate, offering subtly sweet bitter cherry and floral pastille flavors with hints of vanilla and mocha. Fine-grained tannins give structure to the long, penetrating finish, which leaves toasty oak and licorice notes behind. While nobody should confuse this edition of Grange with the legendary bottlings of years past, it's an impressive effort for such a cold, rainy vintage. Production of this Australian icon was 50% of normal in 2011