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

Deep plum-red colour. Brooding nose of praline, plum and blueberry. Layered succulent and stylish full oak palate. Earthy fruit flavours of plum and chocolate and very rich chunky chewy tannins. Excellent balance and length!" -Winestate.com, "A massive wine, with cascades of potent plum, cherry and blackberry fruit swirling around wafts of black pepper, bay leaf and exotic spice, which last and last on the finish, hinting at smoky, meaty notes. It's all packed in tightly, suggesting this should evolve spectacularly with age!" -Winespectator.com

Penfolds Grange is an Australian icon, a National Trust of Australia heritage listed wine which captures the essence of Australian ingenuity and innovation. The story of Grange is steeped in the Australian ethos. It is the story of a winemaker who battled against the odds, possessed by the ideal of creating one of the very great wines of the world. The enduring spirit of Grange means that each vintage boasts its own character as the marque evolves and surprises. A seductive, richly concentrated wine, a timeless classic

A meticulous regimen for vineyard selection, coupled with exacting winecraft, ensures each vintage of Grange displays a different character. "The best showing ever for this wine from my perspective, a relatively forward, accessible style of Grange. The color is still a dark plum/purple, and the wine shows plenty of sweet cassis, with notes of chocolate and toasty oak. The wine is opulent and luscious, with great intensity, full body, and fabulous extract. The acidity seems relatively low and integrated, and the tannins quite ripe!" -eRobertParker.com

Winemaker John Duval called the 1981 a big, tannic Grange. A warm to hot, drought-affected summer yielded a powerfully concentrated wine with chocolate raisin fruit, earthy nuances, and pleasant oak. "Fresh white-toast aromas sit above a sea of blackberry jam and leather – this is a very fragrant wine, with a citrussy lift built in and a palate that, while drying out, has complexity to burn: old leather, dried herbs, dried meat, earth, a sweet stemminess and toffee-topped licorice. The finish is tired, but there’s still life left" -Winefront.com.au

Penfolds 1956 Grange is extremely rare - a curio and valuable collector’s item. Well cellared bottles may show fully developed fruit and lacy tannins but most are past their best. A lighter Grange which spent less time (about nine months) in oak and was bottled early. Bottles labelled Bin numbers 14 and 53. The 1956 included a small amount (4 per cent) of Cabernet Sauvignon. From humble beginnings in the 1950s, Grange has maintained it's place as Australia's most prestigious red wine, and one of history's most unique