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 2015 Penfolds Grange, a remarkable red wine hailing from the prestigious South Australia region in Australia. This wine is a true masterpiece, crafted with precision and expertise by the renowned producer, Penfolds. With its deep ruby red color, this wine is a visual delight, captivating the eye with its allure.

On the nose, the 2015 Penfolds Grange immediately announces its presence with an intoxicating bouquet of lifted aromas. The fragrance is harmonious, blending perfectly ripe fruit, the unmistakable influence of American oak, and finely pitched tannins. The wine exudes an air of faultlessness, showcasing a level of quality that is truly exceptional.

As one indulges in a sip of this extraordinary wine, the senses are greeted with a powerhouse of concentration and complexity. The palate is treated to a symphony of flavors that unfold in layers. The initial notes of orange and lemon peel give way to graphite, blackberries, plum paste, and black cherries. The wine is generously spiced with oak, offering hints of fresh cedar, tar, mahogany, roasted coffee, and chocolate. The list goes on, showcasing the immense complexity that this wine possesses.

The richness and depth of the 2015 Penfolds Grange are simply unparalleled. The palate is a revelation, with an abundance of succulent fruit flavors that sit in the blackberry, blood-plum, and blueberry zone. The wine's structure is assertive yet seamless, with dense, velvet-wrapped tannins that linger on the palate. The finish is tightly wrenched, displaying spectacular power and leaving a lasting impression.

This wine is still in its youth, but it is already showing great promise for the future. It is recommended to give the 2015 Penfolds Grange some bottle age, allowing it to develop further complexity and refinement. Best enjoyed from 2030 onwards, this wine has the potential to age gracefully for decades.

The 2015 Penfolds Grange has received rave reviews from esteemed critics. James Halliday awarded it an impressive score of 99 points, describing it as faultless with a very special length. James Suckling awarded it a perfect score of 100 points, praising its concentration, complexity, and deep, dark intensity. Wine Spectator gave it a score of 97 points, noting its distinctive power and elegance. Robert Parker's Wine Advocate awarded it 98 points, highlighting its dense concentration, balance, and firmness. Jeb Dunnuck bestowed it with a score of 99 points, declaring it a monster of wine that blends power and elegance perfectly. Wine Enthusiast rated it 97 points, describing it as approachable and satiny in texture. Decanter gave it 95 points, applauding its richness, concentration, and soft tannins. Vinous awarded it 98 points, noting its superb density, vivacity, and precise finish.

In conclusion, the 2015 Penfolds Grange is a wine of extraordinary quality and distinction. It is a testament to the skill and expertise of the winemakers at Penfolds and a true expression of the terroir of South Australia. This wine is a must-have for any serious collector or enthusiast, destined to become a legendary example of Grange in the making.