The hallmark of this release is powerful fruit intensity, superb length and typical Grange complexity, showing integrated fruit and oak flavours which are very persistent, reflecting the exceptional quality of the 1988 vintage. An ideal growing season followed by a warm dry vintage, produced an elegant Grange. 94% Shiraz, 6% Cabernet Sauvignon from Kalimna and other vineyards in the Barossa, Padthaway and McLaren Vale. A classic Grange, from an outstanding vintage year, the 1988 will develop superbly until 2008 and beyond

Bottles labelled Bin numbers 59, 95, 456, 59A. "A sensational Grange, this dark garnet-colored wine shows knock-out aromatics of brown sugar, blackberry and currant fruit, with a hint of eucalyptus in the background. Some pepper, coffee, and prune add to the complex concoction. The wine is not a blockbuster, but one of purity, harmony, and actually, restraint, an extraordinarily elegant style of Grange that has aged sensationally well because of its equilibrium. This wine could continue to drink well for at least another 6-7 years" -Robert Parker Feb 2002

Though retired, Grange creator Max Schubert was proclaimed Man of the Year by UK Decanter Magazine in 1988. The hallmark of Grange 1988 is it's powerful fruit intensity, dominant length and profound complexity, persistent fruit and oak, reflecting the exceptional quality of the 1988 vintage. "Considered to be an uncharacteristically soft, fruity Grange. Everyone at the tasting agreed. Somewhat soft and accessible for such a relatively young Grange, but there is plenty of structure and tannin in the finish" -eRobertparker.com Feb 2002

Grange is a unique Australian style, officially listed as a Heritage Icon of South Australia. When the late, great Max Schubert embarked on his odyssey to define the nation's ultimate red wine, his efforts were met by adversity and derision from peers. Today Grange is recognised as one of the world's great wines, each vintage is eagerly awaited round the globe. The small 2005 vintage release makes no quality compromise. A Grange that is balanced, firm and polished. The first sip welcomes, the second sip asserts, the third entreats submission

Grange is both Penfolds and arguably Australia's most famous wine and is officially listed as a Heritage Icon of South Australia. Penfolds Grange displays fully-ripe, intensely-flavoured and textured shiraz grapes in combination with new American oak. The first 100% Shiraz Grange since 1963, and an excellent follow on to the "98 vintage. Sourced primarily from the Penfolds Kalimna Vineyard and other Barossa Vineyards, with proportions from McLaren Vale and Padthaway. A fitting Grange release to end the 1900's, with decades of life ahead.

Memorable for being the last of all vintages to be bottled in the original off-white foil capsules, and the first vintage to be bottled in magnums, nowadays there are usually six hundred magnum bottled each year. "The wine is deep ruby garnet with an unusual nose of root vegetables mixed with cola, caramel, black currant, and tar. Relatively attenuated in the finish, but sweet on the attack, this wine seems to be narrowing out, with the tannins becoming increasingly dominant. This is a vintage to monitor closely" -Robert Parker Feb 2002