1986 Penfolds Grange Hermitage

Note: Bottle has come from a private collection and as such has some minor scratches on the capsule. Actual product pictured. Otherwise, in very good condition with fill level at base of neck.

The Monster of Australian Shiraz, with many many years of cellaring in front of it. Totally opaque in colour with black crimson hue. Perfumed nose, slowly evolving, with aroma of violets, vanilla, confectionary and ripe plums. Monumental palate structure and flavour – no way is this wine going to yield all just yet. The depth and concentration is very evident. Plum, spice, liquorice and vanilla are on the surface, but more to evolve over the next decade. Dry tannins, but balanced. Very long aftertaste of plum, spice and vanilla.
Alc/Vol: 14.0% approx

First Tasted:  November 2001

The below tasting notes were made at the 50th Anniversary Dinner of Penfolds Grange at Magill in South Australia on November 26th 2001. They were written in less than ideal tasting conditions. The pomp and ceremony of the occasion and low level lighting, together with the constant chatter on the table, all made a less than perfect tasting environment. I am sure, many of the wines would have scored a point or two higher under perfect tasting conditions and, thus the notes are to be read with this proviso in mind. - Nick Chlebnikowski A baby, and one of the all time Great Granges. Opaque, brick red colour. Powerful nose, with aroma of prune, blackberry, spice and liquorice. Still very youthful with no signs of tertiary aroma at this stage. Mouthfilling palate, a concentrate of Shiraz. Outstanding depth, with flavours of blackberry, cedar and spice dominant. Perfect tannins, followed by very long aftertaste.Cellar 10-12 years (2012-2014)Alc/Vol: 13.7% RATING: 94/100 VALUE: XXXX/5

Notes Sourced from The Rewards of Patience - Fifth Edition (2004):
Drinking Window: Now – 2030+
Deep crimson. Immensely rich and powerful dark chocolate/mocha/cedar/cigar box aromas. The palate is sumptuously concentrated with dark chocolate/blackberry/dried fig fruit, plenty of malty oak, massive sweet, dense, ripe tannins and superb flavour length. A very great Grange vintage.
87% Shiraz, 13% Cabernet Sauvignon. Kalimna Vineyard (Barossa Valley), Barossa Valley, Clare Valley, McLaren Vale and Modbury Vineyard (Adelaide). A mild, relatively dry growing season and vintage. An important and very successful vintage.