Penfolds Grange 2004

Of the 2004 Grange, winemaker Peter Gago said, “The wait for this release has indeed been worthwhile – arguably the finest vintage since Mother Nature’s endowment of a number of stellar 1990s vintages.”
 
Gago describes it as: Dark, deep red (at five years of age) with an enticingly fragrant nose, yet at once ‘Grange’ – elements of cola, bay leaf, malt, Indian spices and nougat. An ethereal oriental lift of glazed Peking duck is interspersed with fermented black Chinese tea. Oak at one with the wine, other aromatics unite to create a continuum of spice and fruit. Impressive.
The palate is seamless redefined with a classic Grange structure – tight, defined and balanced, with ‘slatey’ / sandy tannins. Saturated fruits – blackberry and concentrated Satsuma plum skin. A darkened flavour theme of chocolate, licorice and fermented black Chinese tea mask any overt presence of new oak, courting a long, effortless finish. Intense, powerful vs. composed, polished – an inevitable counter-balance.