Australia

Rating

94+

Release Price

NA

Drink Date

NA

Reviewed by

Robert M. Parker, Jr.

Issue Date

30th Jun 2009

Source

183, The Wine Advocate

The 1990 performed well in the tasting, but, along with the 1980, was the least impressive of these Granges. The 1990 is loosely knit, seems to border on overripeness with its jammy character, and has a slightly more aggressive style of tannin ... or are the acids more pronounced? It is certainly outstanding, displaying full body along with a classic smoky, blackberry, cassis, pepper, and forest floor-scented bouquet. Of all these wines, it appears to be the most evolved. Grange, Penfolds’ flagship wine, is, by many accounts, the most renowned and world-famous wine produced in Australia, and these six vintages from my cellar all acquitted themselves well. These wines are almost always Shiraz, but many vintages include less than 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, and there are cross-appellations blends from vineyards in the Barossa and McLaren Vale.

96

Price ($)

$65

Drink Date

2005 - 2032

Reviewed by

Robert M. Parker, Jr.

Issue Date

30th Oct 2002

Source

143, The Wine Advocate

This estate's most renowned offering is their old vine Shiraz (90+ year old vines) called The Dead Arm. The unfined/unfiltered 1999 The Dead Arm Shiraz (2,000 cases) was aged in 100% new oak, of which 70% was American and 30% French. It is about as natural and unmanipulated a product of the vineyard as one can find. Full-bodied and awesomely rich, notes of black pepper, licorice, and blackberry as well as cherry liqueur cascade over the palate with enormous concentration and intensity, high tannin, and a structured, muscular style. Give it 3-4 years of cellaring, and consume it over the following 2-3 decades. It is a timeless museum piece made in a style that can only be produced in Barossa or McLaren Vale.   

From the famed Magill Estate in Adelaide, the 2003 Shiraz Magill Estate was aged 14 months in a combination of 64% new French and 36% new American 300 liter hogsheads. The 20th vintage of this cuvee, it represents this estate’s commitment to single vineyard Shiraz since it is made from the original 12+ acre vineyard that was established in 1844. A deep ruby/purple color is accompanied by a glorious perfume of graphite, acacia flowers, and toasty oak. The wine hits the palate with a plethora of flavors, including chocolate, spice box, fruit cake, black raspberries, blueberries, and cassis. Powerful yet elegant and streamlined, this beauty is one of my favorite examples of this wine to date. It should drink well for 15 or more years. 

Rating

(94 - 96)

Release Price

$100

Drink Date

2013 - 2031

Reviewed by

Robert M. Parker, Jr.

Issue Date

31st Oct 2006

Source

167, The Wine Advocate

Magpie’s luxury cuvee (which was last produced in 1999), the 2005 Shiraz Malcolm, spent 12 months in new American oak and 12 months in new French 500 liter pungeons. This is the ultimate 200% new oak wine. Nevertheless, it holds it well, which gives you an idea of just how concentrated this beast is. An inky/blue/purple color is followed by notes of creosote, blueberry liqueur, violets, and a hint of camphor. Super-rich, powerful, and opulent, with a formidable level of tannin, it should hit its peak in 7-8 years and last for 25 or more.  

JAY S MILLER: 96

THE WINE ADVOCATE: 96

The flagship 2006 Run Rig is a blend of 95% Shiraz and 5% Viognier. A saturated purple color, it sends up a complex bouquet of cigar box, Asian spices, incense, bacon, plum, and blueberry. On the palate it admirably combines power and elegance. Layers of succulent fruit are nicely complemented by the wine’s generous framework. Another 4-6 years of cellaring should fill it out with style. Wine Advocate.December, 2009

A towering Cabernet, tightly wrapping its supple, expressive core of currant and boysenberry with subtle hints of cream, espresso and dried herbs, flowing seamlessly into the long and vivid finish. Offers depth and power without apparent weight. A knockout. Best from 2015 through 2030. Score: 100