PENFOLDS Grange Hermitage Shiraz 1983

Robert Parker Score: 92 points

Reviewer: Robert M. Parker, Jr. — 10031 Aug 1995

Drink 2006–2020

Production: 7,950 cases Blend: 94% Shiraz/6% Cabernet Sauvignon
1983 was a difficult vintage in Australia as many viticultural areas were plagued by drought, followed by brush fires, and then floods. However, Penfold's has always been pleased with their 1983 Grange. It is an opaque, densely-colored wine, but it has consistently tasted tannic and backward. From a pleasure standpoint, it is the youngest and most structured recent vintage of Grange Hermitage. Although full-bodied with huge reserves of black fruits, it is impossible to predict whether or not the austere tannin will melt away. I choose to be optimistic and believe that with 5-6 years of cellaring the wine will exhibit a more harmonious blend of fruit and tannin. The wine is capable of lasting another 20 years.
Note: The production figures shown are for twelve bottle cases unless otherwise noted.