The 2014 Penfolds Grange is a standout Syrah from South Australia, embodying the iconic status of this renowned wine. This vintage, primarily consisting of 98% Shiraz and 2% Cabernet Sauvignon, showcases the meticulous craftsmanship Penfolds is known for, despite the challenging growing conditions of the year.
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate awarded it an exceptional 98 points, highlighting its "rich, concentrated and intense" character, with a full-bodied, velvety texture and a flavor profile brimming with plummy fruit, vanilla, and cedar. The wine's density and tannic structure promise longevity, a hallmark of Grange wines.
Wine Spectator, also rating it 98 points, describes it as "purely indulgent," filled with complex layers of creamy chocolate, maraschino cherry, and raspberry, underpinned by notes of cumin, peppermint, and white pepper. They note its ability to evolve over time, suggesting a drinking window that extends to 2035.
Decanter provides a slightly more conservative score of 94, emphasizing the wine's "dense aromas" and robust, structured palate. They acknowledge its complexity but caution that it may be "rather overbearing" for some.
James Suckling gives it 96 points, praising the wine's "cooler and more savory style," with dark, spicy aromas and a finish that broadens beautifully. He notes the "slaty" tannins and suggests it's best enjoyed after 2025.
Both Jeb Dunnuck and Wine Enthusiast rated the wine 97 points, with Dunnuck commending its "deep, rich, fabulously concentrated" nature and Wine Enthusiast appreciating its approachable elegance compared to previous years.
Finally, Vinous also scores it 97 points, describing a "heady, intensely perfumed bouquet" and a "shockingly vibrant" profile, underscoring the wine's depth and longevity.
Overall, the 2014 Grange is a masterful blend of power and precision, promising decades of aging potential while offering a complex, indulgent experience to those who enjoy it sooner.