Penfolds releases Icon collection including 100 point 2008 Grange

By Richard Siddle

Published: 08 May, 2013

Penfolds has launched its latest Icon and Luxury collection, including the release of the 100 point 2008 Grange vintage (RRP £500).

It marks an unbroken series of vintages for Grange going back to its first "experimental" release in 1951. Chief winemaker, Peter Gago, thinks the 2008 Grange is similar to the 1998, with rich concentration and seductive fruit.

"Somewhat intimidating? Yes. Brazen? Never. The 2008 Grange offers an immediate familial link to the 1998 Grange," said Jago.

The 100 point score is the first from US publication, the Wine Advocate, since 1976. Grange is once again composed of Syrah sourced from the finest vineyards in South Australia.

Grange's white counterpart is the 2010 Yattarna Chardonnay (RRP £92). First launched in 1998 it is made with fruit from cool-climate regions and the 2010 release comes from grapes exclusively sourced from Tasmania.

A third vintage, the 2010 Bin 707 Cabernet Sauvignon (RRP £195) is seen as the Cabernet counterpart to Grange, and promises exceptional quality, said Penfolds.

The collection also includes 2010 Bin 169 Cabernet Sauvignon (RRP £195) made from grapes in the Coonawarra region. It is aged in fine grained French oak barrels.

The single vineyard Magill Estate in the eastern suburbs of Adelaide is the single source of 2010 Magill Estate Shiraz (RRP £84). First produced in 1983 the wine is still fermented and matured in the Penfolds Magill Winery founded in 1844. The style is presented as medium-weight, sleek and velvety.

As alternative to Penfolds multi-region sourcing philosophy comes the 2010 RWT Barossa Valley Shiraz (RRP £110). This label was first introduced in 2000 and stands for a opulent and fleshy style typical of the Barossa. The wine is matured in French oak only.

First launched in the early 1950s is the 2009 St Henry Shiraz (RRP £63), unusual in that it does not rely on any new oak and doesn't have oak characteristics.

The Australian winery claims the collection "reflects the great Australian spirit, impeccable provenance, winemaking philosophy, heritage, passion and dedication of generations of winemakers".

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