A towering expression from a textbook vintage, the 2018 Grange is a benchmark Shiraz that confidently joins the ranks of Penfolds’ greatest. Rated a perfect 100 by James Suckling and nearly so by The Wine Advocate, it marries sheer power with layered finesse—offering waves of dark fruit, chocolate, spice and polished tannin. While unmistakably bold, it’s also unusually open-knit and seductive in youth, hinting at a long, glorious evolution. One of the most complete and compelling Granges of the modern era.

Jamessuckling.com | JS 100
Published: Dec 28, 2022

A robust Grange from a lauded vintage, this wields sheer power with such compelling prowess. Uncompromising Grange. There are rich blackberries and plums on offer, together with brazen oak and abundant notes of blackcurrants, black cherries, charcoal, cola and hard brown spices. So fleshy and intense. Dark-chocolate and cocoa-powder aromas and flavors here, too. The tannins are polished and long, extruding deep into the finish and holding endlessly. Dark chocolate, black cherry, dark plum and more. Impressive. Brazen. One of the great Granges that will drink magnificently for decades to come. 

The Wine Advocate | RP 99
Published: Jul,21 2022 
Drink: 2028-2058

This wine comes with high expectations—as does the vintage. The 2018 vintage across South Australia (and cheekily, we could probably extend the accolade to all of Australia) was excellent. It was warm, but without incident, and responsible for powerfully ripe, serious wines. Many producers made some of their best wines in this vintage. So here, to the 2018 Grange: there is spiced raspberry, lashings of salted licorice, red curry paste, layers of forest berries, rendered lamb fat and crushed pink peppercorns to start. In the mouth, the tannins close around the fruit with the same polish and seamlessness as the 2008, possibly the 2004? Very different vintages, but there is a textural similarity for me. This is polished and glossy and so very pretty. It contains 3% Cabernet Sauvignon this year, and 69% Barossa, 18% McLaren Vale and the balance from Clare Valley. Each of the regions brings with it its own characteristics. Barossa brings the red dirt, blood, deli meat and rust. McLaren Vale brings the plush purple fruits with a side of meat and licorice. Clare brings the polish, the opulence and the velvet texture. With their powers combined, this is an extraordinary Grange. One of the true greats, which will only get better as it ages. 

Decanter | D 95
Published: Jun 7, 2022
Drink: 2022-2062

Such open-hearted approachability has never been so pronounced in Grange. The even-footed balance comes from a smooth, silky palate that glides on a sleek acid line to complement rather than override the robust flavours. There’s spice, aniseed and sage lifting above blackberry, redcurrant and earthy forest floor notes, all integrated effortlessly through a lengthy profile. No longer trying to be the loudest or most pious Shiraz in the market, this vintage is surprisingly well behaved.
Closure: Cork
Alcohol: 14.50%
Body: Full
Oak: Oaked
Grapes: 3% Cabernet Sauvignon 97% Shiraz

Jancisrobinson.com | JR 18.5++
Published: Oct 4, 2024
Drink: 2032-2060

Opulent, ripe fruit. Heady perfume. Brambles and a round composition with masses of ripeness. Dry end, for the moment, but very rich up to that point.

Penfolds.com

Grange's reputation as one of the world;s most celebrated wines continues to grow today. On its 50th birthday in 2001, Grange was listed as a South Australian heritage icon, while the 2008 Grange vintage achieved a perfect score of 100 points by two of the world's most influential wine magazines. With every new generation of Penfolds winemakers, Max Schubert's remarkable vision is nurtured and strengthened.