2001 Penfolds 'Bin 95' Grange - Museum Collection

98 Points - Robert Parker, Wine Advocate

“It is always a treat to taste Australia's most famous wine, Penfolds' Grange cuvee (the word Hermitage has been dropped because of legal issues). The 2001 Grange is one of the few vintages of this cuvee to be composed of 100% Shiraz (the others being 1951, 1952, 1963, 1999, and 2000). Aged 17 months in 100% American oak, and tipping the scales at 14.5% alcohol, the 2001 is undeniably one of the top examples of this wine. At this stage, it appears to eclipse the 1998 and 1996. Inky/blue/purple to the rim, with a stunning perfume of blueberries, blackberries, chocolate, graphite, and earth, it boasts good acidity, huge tannins, magnificent concentration, and a multilayered, textured mouthfeel. It is a big, but impeccably well-balanced Shiraz that should shed some of its structure and tannin over the next 4-5 years, and be at its best between 2010-2030+.”

98 Points - Tim White, Australian Financial Review

“Deep fruitcake ferrous smelling; classic Grange. But as well as raisin there's fresher, juicier stuff, and cedariness. A hint of mint too. Typically thunderess in the mouth: big extract, big tannin, and big,sweet raisin fruitcake flavours. Back on song.”

96 Points - Nick Stock, The Adelaide Review

“A strong return to form for the big 'G' and a wine that makes a good case for the 2001 vintage – an excellent year I have seen overlooked by many in favour of the cool 2002 that followed. As soon as the cork is pulled on this beast of a wine, the scent of berries and cola waft from the bottle and fill the room, suggesting something genie-like is about to emerge. The wine smells of rich dark berry fruits, tar and smoke, liquorice, anise and ripe dark plums. Strong on cola aromas, the air brings out an earthy side and fruit-steeped oak. This is one good-looking baby. There's supercharged concentration of flavour, all densely packed, chewy and robust, with essence-like tarry plum and blackberry fruits, lots of dark chocolate, meaty and intense. Flavour and tannin are crammed into the middle palate and there's a savoury moment as tannins become stern and dry. This is one of the greats, there's no doubt.”