On Wed, 5 Jan 2005 18:46:09 -0000, "Alex Hayne"
wrote:

At the end of the festivities I finally managed an evening to relax and
enjoy a bottle of "be selfish and indulge myself wines"
This being Penfolds Grange 1991.
The meal was extremely simple, namely fillet steak pan fried with
chips.....yes I am english lol.
Having tried the 1988 and 1989 granges previously, I was a little concerned
about infanticide but considering that I have 6 of the 1991 I thought I
could spare one for an indulgent treat.
This was by far the finest shiraz I have ever tasted.
The depth and darkness of the fruit is outstanding and although tannins are
hugely evident, they are ripe and fine grained and enhance the complexity of
the wine.
Although the wine is very youthful, it is approachable now with a multi
layered complexity that demands attention of every sip.
I'm planning to open one a year for the next 5 to see how the wine develops,
will power permitting.
If pressed I would say that although approachable, I imagine that the best
results will be in years 4 and 5.

Best wishes and Happy New Year,


Alex

Glad you enjoyed Alex.. :)

Are you aware the Grange is a Shiraz - Cab blend? IIRC, only 2 Grange
Shiraz only have been released, one recently, and one some time ago I
think.

The 1990 was considered the ultimate recent Grange, (until 1998
strolled by).

By rule of thumb, Grange is considered at best around the 20 y.o mark
(generalisation of course..:)). My math says, 1 per year will see
05,06,07,08 and 09 covered, but then it WILL be a 20 y.o. Looks like
your patience and willpower needs to be extended a tad, to enjoy some
at peak....:)

Hooroo......