Overview
An exceptional mature vintage of Australia's most celebrated wine, the 1979 Penfolds Grange Bin 95 exemplifies the estate's legendary multi-vineyard, multi-district blending philosophy. Crafted from 87% Shiraz and 13% Cabernet Sauvignon, this historic release combines concentrated fruit with the distinctive structure of new American oak. Awarded 98 points by Falstaff in 2021, it represents a remarkable expression of Grange's complexity and longevity.
Vintage
The 1979 growing season was unusual, with a hotter-than-average summer followed by mild but wet vintage conditions. Fruit was sourced from selected vineyards across Barossa Valley, including Kalimna Vineyard, Clare Valley, Magill Estate in Adelaide and McLaren Vale.
Historically significant, 1979 was the last Grange vintage bottled using off-white foil capsules and the first vintage produced in both standard 750ml bottles and 1.5L Magnums.
Winemaking
Produced from 87% Shiraz and 13% Cabernet Sauvignon, the wine was matured for 18 months in new American oak hogsheads. This traditional approach defines the distinctive Grange style, combining fully ripened, intensely flavoured Shiraz with structured tannins and the complexity of American oak.
Producer Tasting Notes
Colour
Medium red/purple.
Nose
Complex, developing aromas with plenty of soft, slightly lifted, tobacco/berry/gamey fruit.
Palate
Highly concentrated with rich, cedar/blackberry fruit, massive, firm, dry tannins and long flavourful finish. Tannins are too much at the fore at the moment, but could soften out over time.
Don Ditter, Penfolds — Last Tasted September 1999
Critic Reviews
98/100 — Falstaff
“The palate is poised and wonderfully savoury … the echo is of earth and eternity.”
Tasted August 2021
JancisRobinson.com
Recommended Drinking Window: 1995–2030
Tasted November 2021
Producer
Founded in 1844, Penfolds is one of Australia's most prestigious wine producers. First created by Max Schubert in 1951, Grange is recognised as a Heritage Icon of South Australia and one of the world's great wines. Its distinctive style is built upon the careful selection of exceptional Shiraz from multiple South Australian vineyards, combined with traditional maturation in new American oak. The result is a powerful, complex and age-worthy expression of Australian winemaking.
Specifications
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Vintage: 1979
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Producer: Penfolds
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Wine: Grange Bin 95
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Country: Australia
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Region: South Australia
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Vineyard Regions: Barossa Valley (including Kalimna Vineyard), Clare Valley, Magill Estate (Adelaide), McLaren Vale
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Grape Varieties: 87% Shiraz, 13% Cabernet Sauvignon
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Wine Style: Still Red Wine
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Sweetness: Dry
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Alcohol: 12.90%
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Acidity: 5.60 g/L
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pH: 3.72
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Maturation: 18 Months in New American Oak Hogsheads
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Winemaker: Don Ditter
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Label Condition: Good
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Drinking Window: 1995–2030 (JancisRobinson.com)
