1981 Penfolds Grange
10 October 2011
Wine- Penfolds Grange
Varietal- 89% Shiraz, 11% Cabernet Sauvignon
Region- South Australia
Producer- Penfolds
Vintage- 1981
After filtering out the crumbled cork and decanting the dark wine, gamey and medicinal notes first dominated the wine. The structure and acid was still holding the wine intact. That’s a good sign! About 45 minutes later, the Grange opened-up and revealed a more youthful, spicy, blackberry cobbler a la mode, with black pepper and dried red cherries. Another 30 minutes later, more briary and spice notes, again dried fruits, and new juniper, pine, eucalyptus subtleties. There was almost a port like characteristic at the end. I believe we cashed-in this wine at it’s peak. Shazam! Amazing pairing with lamb and also with bison.
