Penfolds Shiraz South Australia Grange 2010

100 points James Suckling: "The 2010 Grange arrives with much expectation and does not disappoint. This is a powerhouse, structurally superior to both the 2009 and 2008 vintages and breathtakingly dense, long and precise. The nose has cola, blackberry, vanillin, hard brown spices of all kinds, coal smoke, meaty charcuterie elements and a strong tarry, savory note that speaks of the 85% Barossa Valley componentry. The palate has super deep tannins that fan out through flavorsome black fruits. These are purposeful tannins - they bristle on the palate, tantalizing and assertive yet playful; strong not aggressive. The power here is the thing: This has mouth-coating density and terrific drive, so tightly coiled, it gives enough away to suggest a very, very long cellaring wine is here. This is a classic Grange that will please the serious collectors. A wine of genuine pedigree. Drink in 2026. (2/5/15)"

100 points Peter Moser (Falstaff): "Deep dark ruby garnet, violet re?ections, subtle edge brightening. Intense bouquet, intense sweet spices, sandalwood, nougat, incredibly multi-faceted aroma. Full-bodied, almost port-like nuances, finesse-rich structure, perfectly integrated tannins, great length, already irresistible, ripe cherries in the finish, if only you could stop there. (12/20/20)"

99 points Lisa Perrotti-Brown (Wine Advocate): "The 2010 Grange is a 4% Cabernet Sauvignon and 96% Shiraz blend made from Barossa Valley, Clare Valley, Adelaide Hills, McLaren Vale and Magill Estate fruit that was aged 17 months in 100% new American oak hogsheads. Very deep purple-black in color, this is classic Grange - amongst the finest produced - replete with fresh, vibrant and youthful black fruit notes showing some blueberry aromas and accents of camphor, anise and the slightest floral hint plus a whiff of oak in the background to lend a cedar-laced lift to this textbook Shiraz nose. Medium to full-bodied in the mouth, it is very taut and finely constructed showing typically firm, grainy, uniform tannins, great concentration and wonderful persistence on the finish. If I have any very slight complaint of this near perfect wine it is that it seems a little too clinical and appears to speak less of the land and the heart of South Australia and more of the very skilled winemaking than did the Grange from the magical 2008 vintage. Drink: 2022-2040. (Oct 2014)"

99 points James Halliday (Wine Companion): "The core of this wine is Barossa Valley Shiraz (85%) the remaining 15% shiraz (and 4% cabernet sauvignon) from the Clare Valley, Adelaide Hills, McLaren Vale and Magill Estate. In time honoured fashion, it finished its fermentation in 100% new American oak hogsheads, where it spent the next 17 months. It has exceptional hue and depth to the colour; the smoky complexity to the black fruits (no red or blue) of the bouquet also offers licorice and earth aromas; only a great Burgundy could have more nuances defined each time you revert to the bouquet. You could lose yourself, Narcissus-like, looking endlessly into the reflection of the palate; for all its power, there is not a hair out of place, the tannins outstanding. There is not the slightest question this will be one of the greatest Granges in the pantheon of '52, '55, '71, '96 and '06. Special. Closure: Cork. 14.5% alcohol. Drink by 2060. (9/23/14)"

99 points and '#3 Top Cellar Selections 2016,' Wine Enthusiast: "[$850 list] This inky, embryonic wine deserves to be cellared until at least 2025 and should drink well for at least 25 years after that. It takes its time opening up in the glass to reveal notes of grilled meat, vanilla and plum. In the mouth, it's full bodied and firmly built, with a wall of chewy tannins surrounding a deep ripe core. Alcohol 14.5%. (Aug 2016)"

98 points Wine Spectator: "[$850 list] Focused, elegant, powerful and layered, exhibiting plum, currant, floral, spice and coffee flavors that come together seamlessly and persist on the long, complex finish. This has presence and deftness in equal measure, with well-integrated tannins. Best from 2018 through 2030. 371 cases imported. (12/31/14)"

98 points David Sly (Decanter): "The deep spectrum of dark flavours – wild blackberry, mulberry, liquorice – speaks in an imposing baritone. The palate is rich, full and even, riding on a velvet carpet through the mid-palate, but then the curtain falls abruptly, suggesting more than its tightly wound finish currently reveals. This vintage remains a slightly impetuous youth growing into its skin, as behind the plush fruit there are tight tannins that still have a prickly edge. Let’s look again in another decade. Drinking Window: 2031-2060. (Jun 2021)"