*Penfolds Red Wine Clinic 1996
Penfolds Grange, first created in 1951 by Max Schubert, has become the benchmark for Australian fine wine and is consistently recognised as “Exceptional” in Langton’s Classification. It is matured in new American oak hogsheads and crafted with multi-regional sourcing to achieve depth, consistency, and longevity.
Vineyard
The 1973 Grange was made from Shiraz (with a small percentage of Cabernet Sauvignon) sourced from Barossa Valley, Magill Estate, and other premium Penfolds vineyards. Maturation took place in 100% new American oak for around 18 months.
Vintage
1973 was a notoriously difficult vintage in South Australia, with cool and wet conditions leading to diluted fruit and lighter structures compared to classic Grange vintages. Despite the challenges, Penfolds’ strict fruit selection and craftsmanship ensured a wine that aged more gracefully than most from the year.
Tasting Notes (as re-corked in Clinic 1996)
The wine, at re-corking, displayed mature garnet-brick hues with orange edges. The bouquet was savoury and tertiary-driven—notes of leather, dried herbs, soy, tobacco, earth, and faint vestiges of red fruit. On the palate, it was elegant, lean, and fully evolved, with softened tannins and a savoury finish. The re-corking in 1996 by Penfolds’ Red Wine Clinic helped stabilise the wine, extend its life, and preserve authenticity, making bottles with this provenance especially collectible.
Critics’ Acclaim
The 1973 vintage is widely acknowledged as one of the lighter Grange years, but it remains of historical interest. Rare bottles in excellent condition—especially those officially re-corked and certified at Penfolds’ Clinic—carry significant collector appeal.
Technical Information
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Region: Multi-regional South Australia
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Blend: Predominantly Shiraz, with 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 (re-corked & certified at Penfolds Red Wine Clinic 1996)
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Drinking Window: 1978–1995 (now of historical/collector interest only)
A Collectible Gem
The 1973 Penfolds Grange is one of the rarest vintages on the market today. While modest in style compared to more powerful years, its re-corking at the Penfolds Red Wine Clinic in 1996 ensures provenance and authenticity. For serious Grange collectors, it represents a unique opportunity to own a piece of Penfolds history.
