Grange
⏳ Drinking Window
2028 - 2066
🍷 Vintage Profile
The 2016 growing season delivered near-ideal conditions across South Australia, characterized by a warm, dry spring that ensured even flowering followed by late-January rainfall that relieved vine moisture stress without inciting disease pressure. Mild, warm autumn days coupled with cool nocturnal temperatures allowed Barossa and McLaren Vale Shiraz parcels to attain complete phenolic maturity alongside buoyant natural acidity and finely sculpted tannins. Composed of 97% Shiraz and 3% Cabernet Sauvignon matured in new American oak hogsheads, the resulting wine exhibits formidable structural depth, concentrated dark fruit, and savory ironstone mineral precision. Universally lauded as one of the quintessential modern benchmarks for the label, this vintage enters a prime early maturation phase around 2026, possessing the structural architecture to evolve cellar potential through 2060.
🍽️ Food & Wine Pairings
Roasted rack of lamb, grilled ribeye steak, aged Cheddar cheese
✨ Technical Specifications
The 2016 Grange is a monumental release, marking the 66th consecutive vintage of Australia's most legendary red wine. Born from a spectacular, warm South Australian growing season, this vintage is a masterclass in multi-regional blending, sourcing pristine fruit from the Barossa Valley, McLaren Vale, Clare Valley, and the historic Magill Estate. The blend is dominated by 97% Shiraz, complemented by 3% Cabernet Sauvignon, and matured for 18 months in 100% new American oak hogsheads. The story of Grange is forever tied to winemaker Max Schubert's mid-century rebellion; when ordered by management to cease production in 1957, Schubert secretly hid three vintages in the cellars, ensuring the survival of this national treasure. The 2016 vintage captures this legacy with its profound depth, seamless structure, and signature notes of dark plum, soy, and sweet American oak spices.
🍾 About the Producer
Established in 1844 by Dr. Christopher and Mary Penfold at Magill Estate in the Mount Lofty foothills, Penfolds represents one of the foundational cornerstones of Australian fine wine. Over nearly two centuries, the house evolved from crafting fortified tonics to pioneering modern multi-regional and multi-vineyard blending across South Australia's premier terroirs, including the Barossa Valley, McLaren Vale, and Coonawarra. Soils span from rich terra rossa over limestone to weathered ironstone and alluvial clays under warm Mediterranean climates tempered by maritime breezes. Under the long-term stewardship of Chief Winemaker Peter Gago, the house adheres to Sustainable Winegrowing Australia standards while preserving an unmistakable house style defined by meticulous fruit classification, submerged-cap fermentation, and structured maturation in American and French oak hogsheads. Benchmark bottlings such as Grange (Bin 95), Bin 707 Cabernet Sauvignon, Bin 389 Cabernet Shiraz, and Yattarna Chardonnay define the apex of collectible New World viticulture.
🍇 Grapes
Shiraz (min 96%), Cabernet Sauvignon
🍷 ABV
14.5%