2003 Penfolds Grange

An icon in the wine world that year in year out competes with the greatest wines on the planet. Penfolds have done well to restrain this beast, in a year that was renowned for extreme heat.

Dark crimson. Heady sweetness on the nose and then very cool on the palate - really tight and fairly tough at this stage. Dry finish. No sign of the obvious syrup and alcohol that usually characterises Grange for me at all! Very introvert at this stage. Presumably quite a deliberate attempt to counteract this vintage's reputation for extreme heat and alcohol.... Very, very well integrated oak...wonderfully rich, flattering fruit caresses the front palate and then the tarry notes bite on the finish.... Maybe the tannins are a little drying on the finish, and the vintage's reputation is unlikely to make this one of the saleroom classics, but it's difficult to see how a better Grange could have been made in 2003
(Jancis Robinson - jancisrobinson.com - 01-May-2008)

Supple, ripe and generous with its blueberry, plum and mocha flavors, riding easily over finely wrought tannins and extending into the long, expressive finish. Rich, complex and evocative, this has plenty of flavor packed into a beautifully balanced package. Drink now through 2020.
(Wine Spectator - 2008)