Penfolds Grange 2009

A luscious and opulent wine with a deep, dark color, punctuated by a elegant note of purple. The character is distinguished by a dense and intense array of black fruits, supported by a sophisticated blend of exotic spices, yielding a sumptuous aromatic profile. On the palate, the wine unfolds as a masterful tapestry of sophisticated and robust flavors, featuring a graceful interplay of blackberries, plums, and a delicate integration of oak. The close is marked by a resplendent crescendo of elegance, distinguished by finely-grained tannins and a judicious cohesion of acidity.

Wine that's still finding its footing, this Grange is a force to be reckoned with, but its intensity is starting to feel overwhelming. The vanilla and cedar flavors are dominant, and the crispness is sharp, but the wine's backbone and body are still in a state of flux. It's a complex, yet unrefined exploration that needs time to mature.

Disappointing wine given the hype. Aggressively oaked, with plush black fruit, but lacking savory layers that I adore from top notch Syrah. The balance, structure, and complexity are well-balanced, but the overall feeling is of a 'big red wine'.