Penfolds Shiraz South Australia Grange 2005

97 points Wine Spectator: "Supple, refined and focused, this is generous with its ripe currant, blackberry jam and fresh cherry flavors playing against grace notes of coffee, tar, white pepper and molasses. The finish keeps hovering and gets richer with each sip. Lip-smackingly good. Best after 2014. (1/19/11)"

97 points Robert Parker: "Containing just a dollop of 4.1% Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2005 Grange is about 85%+ Barossa fruit with the remaining proportions coming from McLaren vale and Coonawarra. It was aged for 18 months in 100% new American oak hogsheads. The nose begins a bit animal with some smoked game, mincemeat and bacon notes emerging over the freshly crushed, sun-warmed blackberries, black currant cordial, earth, black truffles, anise and allspice. Rich and full with very firm very fine tannins and very crisp acid, it gives a long finish layered with coffee, mincemeat and toast. Drink it 2013 to 2025+. (Dec 2010)"

96 points Peter Moser (Falstaff): "Deep dark ruby, with an opaque core, and purple reflections. Intense, balsamic chocolate notes, oriental spices, sweet nuances, dark berries, cinnamon, nutmeg, immensely complex, subtle smoky notes, dried herbs, some peat, hints of damp underbrush, and black truffles. Substantial, good complexity, massive but perfectly integrated tannins. Black berries, a touch of ripe orange, long lasting, nuances of liquorice and nougat on the finish, amazingly fresh, and toasty aromas on the finish. Strong ageing potential. (Jan 2018)"

96 points James Halliday (Wine Companion): "Protocol prevented me retasting this wine prior to its release date of 1 May '10, notwithstanding that no one will have read these words prior to the release of this book in late July '10. So this is my tasting note from the Rewards of Patience Tasting held in Sept '07. Colour little different to the '04; tighter, more compact than the '04, yet the fruit line is glossy and smooth, the tannins (and acidity) acting as the brake and giving tightness. These are a different pair, and it will be fascinating to watch their development. Special. Drink by 2045. (9/28/07)"