Grange is likely to remain positioned as Australia's flagship wine, many vintages far into the future. When Max Schubert embarked on his voyage of discovery and innovation during the late 1940s, the fledgling wine industry was relatively amateurish and fragmented. Winemaker John Duval's contribution to the evolution of Grange has also been critical. His stewardship has probably seen the greatest developments and innovation in viticulture and winemaking. A remarkable vintage Grange is the 1997, considering it's place between the great 1996 and 1998 editions.

1975 was the year Max Schubert retired from his post as Chief Winemaker, although he remained a consultant to Penfolds and kept an office at Magill Estate. He was succeeded by Don Ditter, who had worked with Penfolds as a winemaker since 1946. Penfolds 1975 Grange won two Gold and five other medals at Australian wine shows between 1976 and 1981.

Soon after Wine Spectator named Grange 'The Best Red Wine in the World' the price of subsequent vintage releases soared at auction. An Australian icon, Grange represents a tradition in winemaking that is totally uncompromising. Grange has bypassed the fads and trends of modern winemaking in the sense that it has maintained an integrity of style and remained true to its origins in the mind of Max Schubert. Penfolds Grange is the quality standard against which all other Australian red wines are judged. To share a magnum of Grange from one's own cellar is one of the great wine experiences.

The hallmark of this release is powerful fruit intensity, superb length and typical Grange complexity, showing integrated fruit and oak flavours which are very persistent, reflecting the exceptional quality of the 1988 vintage. An ideal growing season followed by a warm dry vintage, produced an elegant Grange. 94% Shiraz, 6% Cabernet Sauvignon from Kalimna and other vineyards in the Barossa, Padthaway and McLaren Vale. A classic Grange, from an outstanding vintage year, the 1988 will develop superbly until 2008 and beyond.

The 1991 Grange shocked me with its sweet, forward display of jammy black fruits, smoke, roasted coffee, and copious toasty oak scents and flavors. This mouthfilling Grange, inevitably becomes more complex and civilized with ten or more years of cellaring.

Exceptional Langtons Classification. A profound and complete offer, akin to a mix of the 2002 and 2004 editions. Vintage 2006 is probably more like the 1986 and 1996 than the 1976. It's fabric is meshed with spices, cinnamon and vanillin pod, nutmeg and black pepper, tempered by teppanyaki sauces, almonds and amaretto. Firm throughout and across the palate, reverent tannins and oak convey and propel flavours of slowly roasting lamb avec jus, dark chocolates, cola and maraschino with a lift of menthol and rosemary to finish.

Tastings in September 1999 confirmed that the sheer intensity, power and overall balance of 1976 Grange meant it deserved its place as one of the great vintages of the 1970s.