Penfolds is an iconic Australian wine producer established in 1844 when Dr. Christopher Rawson Penfold and his family arrived from England and paid the princely sum of £1,200 for 500 acres of the best land in Magill. He planted French vine cuttings with the intention of producing his own “medicinal tonic” wine.

When he passed away, his wife Mary assumed responsibility for the 60 acres of vines in The Grange Vineyard, which was then producing several varieties. She managed the estate for 25 years, passing it on to her daughter Georgina and son-in-law Thomas Hyland when she retired. The Penfold family continued to operate the business very successfully and retained a controlling interest after the company became public.

Penfolds now has an extensive portfolio that includes the ‘House Style’ collection, numbered-bin releases, special bins, and fortifieds among others. It has played a pivotal role in the evolution of winemaking in Australia and across the world.

Penfolds has earned numerous accolades for its flagship and most iconic wine, Grange, the creation of former Chief Winemaker Max Schubert who aimed to match the finest, aged Bordeaux wines. Initially rejected by Penfolds management, the experiment was kept secret and barrels of wines were hidden behind a fake wall in the tunnels at Magill Estate. With bottle age development, a second tasting was greeted with enthusiasm and production was restarted.

Penfolds vineyards are located primarily in South Australia on prime land throughout the state’s most esteemed viticultural regions. Throughout its history, Penfolds has owned and leased vineyards in addition to sourcing grapes from independent growers. Its grapes are sourced from more than 220 vineyards and grape growers across Australia. This strategy reflects the tradition of multi-vineyard and multi-regional sourcing, first introduced in the 1860s by Mary Penfold, and allows for a consistency of style and quality across vintages, something Penfolds is renowned for.

The original and most powerful expression of Penfolds multi-vineyard, multi-district blending philosophy, Grange is arguably Australia’s most celebrated wine and is officially listed as a Heritage Icon of South Australia. Crafted utilizing fully-ripe, intensely-flavored and structured Shiraz grapes, the result is a unique Australian style that is now recognized as one of the most consistent of the world’s great wines. With an unbroken line of vintages from the experimental 1951, Grange clearly demonstrates the synergy between Shiraz and the soils and climates of South Australia.

Introducing the exquisite 2017 Penfolds Grange, a magnificent red wine hailing from the renowned wine country of Australia. With its deep red color and alluring aromas, this wine captivates from the very first glance. The label showcases the elegance and tradition of the Penfolds brand, setting the stage for an exceptional tasting experience.

Crafted from 100% Syrah grapes, this vintage is a testament to the quality and character of Australian winemaking. The 2017 Penfolds Grange boasts a robust alcohol percentage of 14.5%, ensuring a bold and full-bodied flavor profile that wine enthusiasts crave.

On the nose, this wine entices with a bouquet that is both complex and inviting. A meadow of wild herbs mingles with the orchard of plums, creating a harmonious symphony of scents. Hints of mocha and liquorice add depth and intrigue, drawing you in for a closer exploration.

As you take your first sip, you are greeted by a seamless meld of fresh red fruits, offering a surprisingly approachable and friendly experience. The palate showcases impressive drive and structure, with flavors of cherry pit, cassis, and blueberry taking center stage. The wine slowly stretches out, revealing additional nuances of black cardamom, menthol, and cola.

The 2017 Penfolds Grange is a wine of immense substance and concentration, yet it maintains a sense of elegance and finesse. The tannins are finely crafted, providing a supple and harmonious mouthfeel that is both satisfying and memorable. The finish is remarkably long, leaving a lasting impression of dried rosemary, cigar box, and sandalwood.

Renowned wine critics have praised this vintage, with scores ranging from 94 to 98. Decanter describes it as "especially friendly and agreeable," while James Suckling notes its "youthful, astringent feel" and "big, round berries." Robert Parker's Wine Advocate highlights the wine's "decadently creamy" texture and "relatively light and elegant-seeming" finish.

The 2017 Penfolds Grange is a wine that demands attention and appreciation. It is a true masterpiece, showcasing the best of Australian winemaking and the timeless art of crafting exceptional red wines. Whether enjoyed now or cellared for future enjoyment, this wine is sure to leave a lasting impression on any wine lover fortunate enough to experience it.