Penfolds Grange is Australia’s most legendary wine, crafted since 1951 and consistently rated as “Exceptional” in Langton’s Classification. Built on a philosophy of multi-regional blending and maturation in new American oak hogsheads, Grange has become an icon of global fine wine collecting.
Vineyard
The 1969 Grange was made primarily from Barossa Valley Shiraz, with contributions from other South Australian regions including McLaren Vale and Magill Estate. It was matured for around 18 months in 100% new American oak hogsheads, a hallmark of the Grange style.
Vintage
1969 was a cooler and more difficult vintage in South Australia, with uneven ripening conditions. Despite the challenges, Max Schubert’s uncompromising fruit selection and blending philosophy ensured a wine of balance and age-worthiness. While less concentrated than powerhouse years, the 1969 is elegant and restrained, and rare bottles in pristine condition still show surprising vitality.
Tasting Notes
At over 50 years of age, the 1969 Grange is fully mature and displays garnet-brick colour with amber hues. The bouquet shows leather, cedar, dried herbs, soy, tobacco, and earth, with vestiges of dark berry fruit. The palate is savoury, with softened tannins, notes of roasted chestnut, mocha, and spice. It is elegant and harmonious, with a lingering finish that speaks to the resilience of the Grange style even in challenging years.
Critics’ Acclaim
Technical Information
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Region: Multi-regional South Australia (Barossa Valley, McLaren Vale, Magill Estate)
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Blend: Predominantly Shiraz, with a small proportion of Cabernet Sauvignon
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Alcohol: ~13%
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Maturation: 18 months in 100% new American oak hogsheads
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Closure: Cork
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Drinking Window: 1975–1995+ (well-stored bottles still of interest to collectors today)
A Collectible Gem
The 1969 Penfolds Grange Bin 95 is an extraordinary piece of Australian wine history. While more restrained than blockbuster vintages, it has aged into a savoury, elegant style and is prized today for its rarity and heritage value. For collectors, this vintage represents a fascinating and historic addition to any serious Grange vertical.
