2019 Penfolds Grange

Penfolds Grange 2019 is a commanding expression of Australian Shiraz, crafted from the finest parcels of Barossa Valley fruit and select premium sites. This vintage delivers the trademark Grange combination of sheer power, layered complexity and impeccable balance, built for both immediate impact and long-term cellaring. Conceived in the 1950s by legendary winemaker Max Schubert, Grange has since become Australia’s most iconic red wine and a modern benchmark for collectible fine wine worldwide.

Tasting Notes
In the glass, the 2019 Penfolds Grange is inky and opaque, with a dense purple core fading to a deep garnet rim—classic Grange depth and concentration. The nose opens with a rush of dark fruits: black plum, macerated blackberry and black cherry, wrapped in layers of mocha, espresso, dark chocolate and licorice. Subtle notes of cured meat, black olive tapenade, smoked spices, sandalwood and well-integrated toasted oak add further dimension as the wine unfolds in the glass. On the palate, this is full-bodied, rich and enveloping, with the plush intensity that defines Grange. Ripe black fruit drives the core—plum compote, cassis and blackberry—supported by hints of fig, star anise, clove and vanilla pod. The oak is present but impeccably judged, framing the fruit with fine-grained tannins and a savoury, charry edge. The mid-palate is broad yet controlled, with impressive freshness that carries through to a very long, layered finish. While already seductive in its youth after a generous decant, the 2019 has the structure and concentration to evolve beautifully over the next 20–30 years or more, gaining further complexity and tertiary notes with time in bottle.

Production
Grange is built on a multi-vineyard, often multi-regional philosophy, with the Barossa Valley at its heart and additional top sites in South Australia contributing to the final blend in most vintages. The fruit comes from low-yielding, mature Shiraz vines rooted in a mix of ancient loam, clay and ironstone-rich soils that promote intensity and depth of flavour. Grapes are harvested by parcel at optimal ripeness, allowing Penfolds’ winemaking team to select only the most expressive lots from the vintage. Fermentation typically occurs in temperature-controlled stainless steel or open fermenters, with careful extraction to build structure without harshness. Grange is then matured in a high proportion of new American oak hogsheads, where it develops its characteristic concentration, mocha-spice profile and remarkable longevity before meticulous blending and bottling.

Food & Serving
The 2019 Penfolds Grange is best matched with richly flavoured, protein-driven dishes that can stand up to its intensity. Think slow-braised lamb shoulder with rosemary and garlic, dry-aged ribeye or tomahawk steak, venison with dark berry jus, or hearty dishes featuring truffle, mushrooms or smoked elements. Mature hard cheeses such as aged cheddar or Comté also work beautifully. Serve at 16–18°C (60–64°F) in large-bowled glasses to allow the aromatics to fully expand. In its youth, decant for 2–4 hours to soften the tannins and open up the nose; for bottles with some age, a gentler, shorter decant is recommended to preserve delicate tertiary nuances.

Producer
Founded in 1844 by Dr. Christopher Rawson Penfold and his wife Mary on the Magill Estate near Adelaide, Penfolds is Australia’s oldest and most celebrated winery, deeply intertwined with the history and evolution of Australian wine. Originally planted for supposed medicinal purposes, the vineyards gradually transformed into a leading fine wine estate. The arrival of winemaker Max Schubert in the mid-20th century marked a turning point: inspired by the great wines of Europe, he created Grange, a revolutionary, ageworthy Shiraz blend that would redefine Australia’s reputation on the world stage. Today, under the stewardship of Chief Winemaker Peter Gago, Penfolds remains a benchmark producer, repeatedly recognised as one of the world’s most admired wine brands. Grange itself has achieved near-mythic status, with historic vintages such as the 1955 listed as national cultural heritage in Australia and the label consistently earning top scores and critical acclaim across the globe.