An experimental wine. A perfect wine score. A recognised icon. There are few wines, if at all, that surmount to these standards. None come as close to Penfolds’s flagship: Grange.
Grange was first created in 1951 by the Australian winery’s chief winemaker Max Schubert. The idea for Grange came from a novel idea: to craft a full-bodied Australian red in the same leagues as the great European cellars; after inspiration struck on his trip to Bordeaux. He was determined to create a red that would indubitably get better with time.
Schubert matured Shiraz in new American oak for 18 months, blending in a touch of Cabernet Sauvignon for structure and depth. The result is a rich, dense full-bodied red with a savoury complexity at its core. Grange seemed like a wild discovery but the Penfolds board rendered it unfavourable in 1957. Undeterred, the winemaker secretly continued tinkering at his labour of love, creating three hidden Grange vintages.
The best was yet to come. The managing board finally wrapped their heads around Grange several years later, recognising the beauty of wine ageing. It was only upwards for the wine, becoming a coveted bottle on a collector’s wishlist soon after. In 2001, Grange was crowned a South Australian Heritage Icon, a fitting tribute to the pinnacle of Penfolds’s winemaking legacy.
2026 marks 75 years since Schubert made his first Grange. It is a testament to the persistence, innovation and sophistication of the timeless wine. To mark this milestone, Penfolds celebrated with a vertical tasting and food pairing. The event was led by director of winemaking Steph Dutton, who took us through the storied history of Grange—from its bold origins, momentous evolution and persevering legacy—in between sips, a heartfelt reminder of how going against the grain can sometimes lead the way.
Convivialities commenced with a solo Grange 2018 toast. The taste of dark berries, chocolate and spices lingered, cut through with a smoked edge. Following courses were paired with Grange 1991, 2001 and 2015 before ending on a 2021 vintage. A personal standout was the 2001—a tango between sweet and savoury that awakened the senses, dancing on the tongue.
Three-quarters of a century on and Grange remains at the forefront of vinification. A creative spark unravelled into a bold invention, creating a uniquely Australian icon that continues to be a beacon of excellence today. Aged like fine wine, as they say.
Discover the Penfolds Grange collection here.
