Penfolds Grange 2007

Penfolds Grange has done more for the Australian wine market on an International stage than any other wine in Australia so it needs to be given the respect it deserves. What I have found from tasting Grange is that I generally think they hit their drinking window around the 15 year mark.  The Penfolds style involves ripe friut with plenty of structure and oak thrown in.  Does the 2007 continue that theme? Yes but without the full on structure.

Penfolds Grange 2007

This is a ripe and robust wine with flavours of smoked licorice and blackberry intertwined with chocolate and roasted figs.  The feel of the wine is exotic in my mouth with the flavours verging on the extra ripe.  The oak definitely plays a roll as it dances with the balling flavours but it seems to have less of an impact this year  which might be due to the ripeness of the fruit.  When the wine enters my mouth it is forceful but in a polite way which is let down by mid-palate to the end.  Does that mean that Grange is not good? No it is a very forward version of Grange of high quality but not extreme quality. I would almost go to say that this is ready to consume now but I won't.  The tannin structure works well with the flavours which grip their way along to the mid-palate before they depart the party.  The quality is good I guess it is just a question of the cash.

Alcohol: 14.5%
Price: $480 street price
Rated: 91
Drink: 2014 - 2034