Overview
Penfolds Grange is Australia's most celebrated wine and one of the world's most prestigious and collectible Shiraz-based wines. Officially recognised as a Heritage Icon of South Australia, Grange represents the pinnacle of Penfolds' multi-vineyard, multi-district blending philosophy, with an uninterrupted history dating back to its experimental debut in 1951.
The 2013 vintage is a classic expression of Grange, combining extraordinary concentration, layered complexity and exceptional longevity. Awarded a perfect 100 points by Robert Parker's The Wine Advocate, 99 points by James Halliday and 98 points by Decanter, it stands among the most acclaimed releases of this iconic Australian wine. Chief Winemaker Peter Gago compared its style, weight and cellaring potential to the outstanding 2008 vintage.
Vintage
The 2013 growing season was characterised by dry winter conditions across much of South Australia, followed by a warm, dry spring and an early, condensed harvest. Lower-than-average yields produced intensely flavoured fruit with pronounced structural tannins. The Magill Estate fruit was harvested in pristine condition on 14 and 15 February 2013.
Vineyard & Winemaking
The 2013 Grange is composed of 96% Shiraz and 4% Cabernet Sauvignon, sourced from four distinguished South Australian regions: Barossa Valley, McLaren Vale, Coonawarra and Magill Estate.
The wine was matured for 20 months in 100% new American oak hogsheads. This traditional Grange maturation regime contributes to its distinctive richness, complex savoury character and formidable ageing potential.
Producer Tasting Notes
Colour
Opaque black core, dark red rim.
Nose
An aromatic assault / surge / eruption of soy, hoisin, balsamic reduction … coiled around a core of kirsch and fresh raspberry.
This propulsion is crammed with tell-tale barrel ferment, V.A. and formic Grange markers – all in balance, all respectful of fruit and oak.
And yet, so ‘classy’ – a brightness, a sheen, a gloss, a raciness – belying both age and upbringing (élevage).
Palate
Formidable.
No gaps, a densely-packed structural continuum. Not huge, not massive, yet taut, muscular, feisty.
A black palimpsest - black fruits, black liquorice, black pudding, black fig, black cardamom....
Granitic chewy tannins linger and coat; oak all but fully concealed, submerged beneath a tannin/oak/acid/flavour tsunami.
Fruits? Where to start in this entanglement? Time please.
Critic Reviews
100/100 — Robert Parker The Wine Advocate
Tasted November 2017
Drinking Window: 2024–2057
99/100 — James Halliday, Halliday Wine Companion
“Gloriously, splendiferously complex. There are so many layers of flavour it's labyrinthine, yet you never lose the thread, the path, of the wine.”
Tasted 24 August 2017 | Published 11 July 2021
Drink By: 2053
98/100 — Decanter
Tasted September 2017
Drinking Window: 2020–2055
98/100 — Falstaff
“Dark ruby, opaque core, purple reflections, subtle edge brightening. Delicately nutty chocolate notes, black berries, fine vanilla.”
Tasted January 2021 — Peter Moser
Drinking Window: 2020–2070
97/100 — Wine Spectator
Tasted March 2018
95/100 — Wine Enthusiast
“Autumnal notes of dried leaves, flowers, sap and dark berries abound, with a raw meat and miso savoriness.”
Tasted January 2018
Producer
Established in 1844, Penfolds is one of Australia's most prestigious wine producers. Its flagship Grange was first created by legendary winemaker Max Schubert in 1951, inspired by his ambition to produce an Australian red wine capable of ageing for decades.
Grange is renowned for its exceptional concentration, powerful structure, distinctive American oak maturation and remarkable consistency across vintages. Its enduring reputation and international critical acclaim have established it as a benchmark of Australian fine wine and a prized addition to serious wine collections.
Specifications
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Vintage: 2013
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Producer: Penfolds
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Wine: Grange Bin 95
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Country: Australia
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Region: South Australia
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Vineyard Regions: Barossa Valley, McLaren Vale, Coonawarra, Magill Estate
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Grape Varieties: 96% Shiraz, 4% Cabernet Sauvignon
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Wine Style: Still Red Wine
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Sweetness: Dry
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Alcohol: 14.5%
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Maturation: 20 months
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Oak: 100% new American oak hogsheads
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Dietary Preference: Vegan
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Drinking Window: 2020–2060 (Penfolds)