Penfolds Shiraz South Australia Grange 2003

95 points James Halliday (Wine Companion): "Deep and bright colour; major surprise along the lines of the '00, albeit in very different style; here there is density and structure; the fruit is rich, but not spongy or dead. Ultra careful selection. Special. (9/25/07)"

95 points Peter Moser (Falstaff): "Dark ruby, purple reflections, subtle brightening on the rim. Ripe sweet cherries, ripe plums, a touch of liquorice, fresh orange zest. A juicy palate, chocolatey, round and harmonious, fresh acid structure, ripe cherries, fine and well-integrated tannins, Ready to drink but has good ageing potential. (Jan 2018)"

94 points Wine Spectator: "Supple, ripe and generous with its blueberry, plum and mocha flavors, riding easily over finely wrought tannins and extending into the long, expressive finish. Rich, complex and evocative, this has plenty of flavor packed into a beautifully balanced package. Drink now through 2022. 680 cases imported."

93 points Josh Raynolds (International Wine Cellar): "Inky purple. Seductively perfumed nose offers cassis, blueberry, cherry-cola, violet and dried fig scents, with a suave undercurrent of smoky minerals. Deep, finely etched cherry and dark berry flavors are complicated by mocha and candied licorice, becoming riper with air. Cured meat and black cardamom notes arrive with air, adding further interest. Full, fleshy and sweet on the impressively long finish, which is nicely braced by dusty tannins. This is more energetic than most wines from this vintage. (Sep/Oct 2008)"

93 points Wine & Spirits: "The warm, dry conditions of the 2003 vintage come across in the roasted cherry flavors of this wine. Initially, there's some burn to it, like the smoke as a fire settles into glowing coals. Air brings out the beautiful, dark fruit, which reads as plump, relaxed and silky. A relatively subtle vintage of Grange, this has the intensity and firmness to age with grace. (Feb 2009)"