Lot 233
PENFOLDS GRANGE BIN 95 1983 (1) 92 WA
PENFOLDS GRANGE HERMITAGE BIN 95 1986 (1) 98+ WA
TORBRECK DESCENDANT 2001 (3) 98 WA
Lot 233 Details
PENFOLDS GRANGE BIN 95 1983 (1)
South Australia.
u. bn.
WA 92
PENFOLDS GRANGE HERMITAGE BIN 95 1986 (1)
South Australia.
u. bn.
One of my favorite wines from Penfolds, the 1986 (a blend of 87% Shiraz and 13% Cabernet Sauvignon) is one of the most powerful Granges produced (14+% alcohol). At age 23, it reminds me of the way it tasted around 9 years of age. Inky/purple to the rim with an extraordinary perfume of sweet licorice, crushed pepper, blackberry liqueur, camphor, and barbecue spices, this sensationally full-bodied, concentrated, layered 1986 is still an infant in terms of its ultimate potential. It is remarkable how this wine has aged, and it’s hard to believe how certain wine geeks will subscribe to the aging ability of the Grange, but don’t believe the same is true for other old vine Shiraz wines from the Barossa and McLaren Vale. It just doesn’t make any sense. The 1986 is one of the greatest Granges for my palate, and it appears to still have 25-30 years of upside. June 2009 WA 98+
TORBRECK DESCENDANT 2001 (3)
Barossa Valley, South Australia.
1 x scuffed label
Aged in used French oak casks for 18 months prior to being bottled unfiltered, the 2001 Descendant is a 1,000 case blend of 92% Shiraz and 8% Viognier cropped at approximately 1.5 tons of fruit per acre. This spectacular Australian red offers an aromatic smorgasbord of honeysuckle intermixed with blackberry and creme de cassis liqueurs, licorice, coffee, and spice. There is fabulous fruit purity, tremendous intensity, and great balance with flavor, power, and elegance all combined into a riveting example of Barossa Valley wine. It should drink well for 10-12 years. August 2003 WA 98