By Ian Neubauer
Iconic South Australian winemaker Penfolds yesterday released its 2003 Bin 95 Grange red as part of its 2008 range of luxury wines.
The flagship of Penfolds’ portfolio, the 2003 vintage is composed of 96.5 per cent Shiraz and 3.5 per cent Cabernet Sauvignon and is now selling for $550 a bottle.
At the spicier end of the Grange spectrum, the 2003 vintage displays dense layered chocolate/mocca flavours laced with Moroccan spices.
Penfold’s newest range also includes Bin 707, RWT Barossa Valley Shiraz, Magill Estate Shiraz and Yattarna Bin 144 Chardonnay, all from the 2005 vintage, St Henri Shiraz 2004 and Reserve Bin 06a Adelaide Hills Chardonnay 2006.
The Grange sub-brand became a national icon 18 years ago when influential US wine critic Robert Parker declared the 1990 vintage to be the best red wine in the world.
The 2008 release of Penfolds wines are available nationally at fine wine stores and at Penfolds cellar doors at Magill and Nuriootpa in South Australia.