Description
The 1971 Penfolds Grange is one of the best wines ever made in Australia, it needs no introduction. In 1993, Max Schubert quoted “If you had to point to a wine which fulfilled all the ambitions of Penfolds Grange, it would have to be the 1971 vintage”.
The growing season in South Australia was one of the finest on record. Conditions were warm throughout the growing season and vintage which resulted in an abundance of very high quality grapes. It was a classic year for Penfolds.
In 1990, Robert Parker Jnr rated the 1971 Penfolds Grange 98/100. In its youth, the 1971 Penfolds Grange won a trophy, 4 gold medals, 4 silver medals and 5 bronze medals in Australian Wine Shows. In 1979 at the Gault-Millau Wine Olympiad the 1971 Penfolds Grange topped its class and won gold, beating the best Rhone Valley wines and created a sensation.
Alcohol levels originally stated 11.5% but records and analysis revealed the alcohol volume was 12.3%.
Tasting Note – Rewards of Patience sixth edition – The 1971 Penfolds Grange is medium deep brick in colour. It was a classic season for Penfolds with an unusually low alcohol content of around 12.3%. The wine is complex, mature with lifted smoked meat, dark chocolate, liquorice, mocha aromas. The palate is silky smooth and richly flavoured with espresso coffee, dark chocolate, tobacco, cedar fruit with underlying vanillin nuances and fine tannins. Finishes long, sinuous and bittersweet.
