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AN EVENING OF EXCEPTIONAL WINESComments by Don Ditter: “Very deep, rich brick red. Very ripe,sweet plum jam aromas. Vanilla and mint characters with ahint of leafiness. Masses of delicious super-fleshy fruit throughout,very elegant and supple but undeniably a full-bodied wine withan assertive tannin finish.”Tasting Note: Penfolds Grange Hermitage 1.5LMAGNUM 1983This vintage was seriously affected by drought, and thedevastating Ash Wednesday bushfires. Summer rainfall washalf the average, following by record rains and flooding inMarch.The 1983 Grange is predominantly Shiraz with a smallamount (6%) of Cabernet Sauvignon, from the Kalimna andother Barossa vineyards, Magill Estate, and Modbury in theAdelaide Plains. Maturation in new American oak hogsheadsfor twenty months. Alcohol 13.30%Winemaker Comments by Don Ditter: “Very deep black cherryred. Dense, powerful dark chocolate spice/plum/ briar and mintaromas with some oak-derived coconut. A highly concentratedwine showing pronounced extract and tannins balanced withsweet plummy fruit and showing some cigar box characters.”Tasting Note: Penfolds Grange Hermitage 1.5LMAGNUM 1984Max Schubert’s experimental work in the 1950s determinedthat South Australian Cabernet was unreliable, he recognisedthat Grange should be based around a spectrum of fruit. Oneof the great strengths of Grange is, whilst mostly a Shiraz, itdoes not rely on the performance of a single vineyard. Fromfruit grown at the Kalimna and other Barossa vineyards,Magill Estate in Adelaide, and other superior vineyards in theCoonawarra, McLaren Vale and Clare Valley, the 1984 isbalanced with a small amount of Cabernet Sauvignon 5%.No other red wine in Australia can rival the reputation,consistent quality or proven development pattern of PenfoldsGrange. The winemaking process involves great attention todetail; from selecting the best possible grapes sourced fromlow-yielding, old Shiraz vines through to fermentation andfastidious oak maturation. Generally good weather for thevintage, a cool summer followed by a dry harvest. Ameticulous regimen for vineyard selection, coupled withexacting winecraft, gives each Grange a different character. Aseductively smooth wine this year, early developing and withslippery tannins. Maturation in new American oak hogsheadsfor twenty months. Alcohol 14.2%Comments by Don Ditter: “Intense deep rich red.Blackcurrant and plum aromas combined with developedchocolate and caramel-like characters which are enhanced bysmoky oak characters. A big, rich, and balanced wine. The palateis elegant, with cedary, chocolaty, tobacco-like flavours andsupple tannins.”Tasting Note: Penfolds Grange Hermitage 1.5LMAGNUM 1985Shiraz with a small amount (1%) Cabernet, from the Kalimnaand other superior vineyards in the Barossa, Clare Valley andModbury (Adelaide Plains). A cool to mild growing seasonfollowed by similarly good conditions at vintage, with late raindelaying picking. An elegantly structured vintage withblackberry black olive plum flavours, and firm savoury tannins.The unique and distinctive Grange style is based on ripeShiraz fruit and stylish American oak in fine harmony. DonDitter, an early graduate of Roseworthy Agricultural Collegewho joined Penfolds as a laboratory assistant in 1946, wasappointed by Max Schubert as his successor in 1973. The1976, and the very great 1986 Grange, Don Ditter’s lastvintage before retirement, epitomize this remarkable period.Maturation in new American oak hogsheads for twentymonths. Alcohol 13.1%Winemaker Comments by Don Ditter: “Sweetly scented withcoconut, cherry and ripe plum/ berry fruit aromas with a hint ofmint. Sweet, spicy plum and cherry-like flavours combine withpronounced, gripping tannins.”WWW.SPINK.COM