Tasting Notes
JancisRobinson.com 19.0
87% Shiraz, 13% Cabernet Sauvignon. Kalimna Vineyard (Barossa Valley), Barossa Valley, Magill Estate (Adelaide), Clare Valley, Coonawarra blend. Brownish rim. Really great mature Australian red. Pure Len Evans on the nose, I wrote, in that this reminded me so clearly of the Australian greats that Australia’s Mr Wine had shared with me. Sweet and luscious and so gorgeous – now we’re kicking in to Grange at its peak! Unspittable. Long, lovely round tannins. Full throttle. Peter Gago said this bottle wasn’t as bright as it should be, but it stood out to me. And look at that alcohol level!
Anticipated maturity: 1990-2030
Robert Parker 96
Medium brick colored, the 1971 Grange opens with touches of aldehyde / bottle-stink to begin over a core of fruit cake, leather, potpourri, game and sandalwood. With an elegant light to medium-body, the palate blossoms into incredible spice box, anise and mincemeat notes – wonderful multi-layered flavors – supported by a good backbone of remaining fine-grained tannins and lively acid. It’s a classic Grange in terms of construction, though a little atypical considering its pretty rather than powerful nature.
Anticipated maturity: 2015-2020
