Impressive depth of mauve redness with an impenetrable black core. 

NOSE 

Umm - no algorithm to unfold the threads of this aromatic quilt. A nexus of fruits/oak/barrel-ferment. As one. Grange. A valiant attempt to untangle this aromatic Shiraz assault… initially scents of grated dark chocolate and Copha revealed - propelled by tell-tale V.A. and formics coupled with barrelferment nuances. Then an elution of marbled meats, beef fat, and marrow. Pan juices follow… laced with a balsamic glaze, soy and spice (poppy/ sesame seed mix, frankincense). In the glass there's no need to wait, no need to swirl - black briquette dust and sooty resins stubbornly are unleashed/ unfurled. Youthful. Expectantly, at this early stage, little attempt to immediately charm/gratify. Patience. Later… 

PALATE 

An instant cornucopia of Grange markers - where to begin?! This 2021 vintage is certainly expansive across the palate. Three sources and three dimensions induce 'blackness' via selective Barossa/McLaren Vale/Clare Valley fruit sourcing and thereafter formidable structural length/width/depth stature. And weight. Very Penfolds. A vortex of mid-palate sumptuousness, framed by sleek, dusty tannins, and chocolatey/brûléed-suggestive oak. Or is it?! Less blurred are the Clare Valley sourcing descriptor giveaways - Dutch liquorice and menthol. Forensically, from maritime McLaren Vale - perhaps the Worcestershire sauce and squid ink, cold corned beef with peppercorn? Maybe, from Barossa - soaked dark satsuma plum, star anise, and roast quince? If only it were that easy… Tomorrow, a different reveal. Indeed, a multi-decade sensory disrobing/redressing continuum now underway. Can't wait! 

PEAK DRINKING 

2027 - 2060

- Producer Notes