1976 Grange

Fully mature, with aromas of blueberries and spice with red plums, dark stones and some leather, too. Opens to show still-fresh berries. There’s intense blueberry at the core of the palate, which is delivered in a smooth, fleshy mode. This is still so fresh for its age. Drink now.

89% Shiraz, 11% Cabernet Sauvignon. Kalimna Vineyard (Barossa Valley), Barossa Valley, Magill Estate (Adelaide), Modbury Vineyard (Adelaide). Thick and sweet and dense – liquorice. . Much ‘thicker’ than the 1971. Very drying finish, almost metallic. There was outrage when this was released apparently because it was released at more than $20! (JR)

Production: 9,380 cases Blend: 89% Shiraz/11% Cabernet Sauvignon A legendary vintage, this massive, powerhouse wine is a reference point for what great Grange Hermitage is all about. The color remains a thick, opaque ruby/garnet with no signs of amber or brown. The wine is beginning to reveal some evolution in its huge, fragrant nose of coffee, cedar, chocolate, prunes, and overripe black-cherries and currants. With massive richness and body, flavors that coat the palate in a viscous, pure, mindboggling manner, and a finish that lasts for nearly a minute, this huge Grange Hermitage that may one day resemble in its decadent richness and thick, unctuous texture, such Bordeaux legends as the 1947 Petrus, 1947 Cheval Blanc, and 1947 Lafleur. This wine can be drunk now or cellared for another 10-15 years. A natural born legend! Note: The production figures shown are for twelve bottle cases unless otherwise noted. Importers: PWG Vintners, Monterey, CA; tel. (408) 655-4848, fax (408) 655-0904