2001 Penfolds Bin 95 Grange

Region: Barossa Valley, South Australia, Australia

Grape: 100% Shiraz

Alcohol: 14.5%

Bottle Size: 750 ml

Known for its intense scents of chocolate, blackberries, and blueberries, the 2001 Penfolds Grange is a legendary wine. It has been aged for 17 months in American oak and has a lengthy, tannic finish along with a full-bodied, complex profile.

Overview

Penfolds Grange has a storied history and is often considered the pinnacle of Australian winemaking. It has consistently received accolades and high scores from critics worldwide, solidifying its status as a collector's item and a symbol of excellence. The 2001 vintage is one of the select few made from 100% Shiraz, showcasing the unique character and intensity of the varietal.

The 2001 Penfolds Grange has received numerous accolades, including high scores from influential wine critics. It has been highly praised for its structure, balance, and potential for long-term aging. These accolades underscore the wine's exceptional quality and its standing among the top vintages of Grange.

The 2001 vintage was aged for 17 months in 100% new American oak barrels, which adds to its robust structure and ageing potential. The wine undergoes rigors quality control and blending to ensure consistency and excellence across each vintage. The use of American oak and the extensive ageing process are hallmarks of the Grange style, contributing to its distinctive flavour profile and longevity.

Critic Review

98+ Points

Robert M. Parker, Wine Advocate

It is always a treat to taste Australia’s most famous wine, Penfolds’ Grange cuvee (the word Hermitage has been dropped because of legal issues). The 2001 Grange is one of the few vintages of this cuvee to be composed of 100% Shiraz (the others being 1951, 1952, 1963, 1999, and 2000). Aged 17 months in 100% American oak, and tipping the scales at 14.5% alcohol, the 2001 is undeniably one of the top examples of this wine. At this stage, it appears to eclipse the 1998 and 1996. Inky/blue/purple to the rim, with a stunning perfume of blueberries, blackberries, chocolate, graphite, and earth, it boasts good acidity, huge tannins, magnificent concentration, and a multilayered, textured mouthfeel. It is a big, but impeccably well-balanced Shiraz that should shed some of its structure and tannin over the next 4-5 years, and be at its best between 2010-2030+.   

Published: Oct 31, 2006