1982 Penfolds Shiraz "Grange Hermitage". South Australia, Australia.
13.5% alcohol. $350. 9,060 cases made.
A deep surprisingly still youthful color. There is a bit of VA in the bouquet that accompanies extremely attractive nuances of plum, strawberry, pine, and American oak. Lots of sweet fruit in the mouth drops off to reveal gorgeous smooth, sweet oak on the finish. Well balanced. Not as complex as one desires but there is not doubting that what this wine provides is exemplary. 94% Shiraz and 6% Cabernet that was aged for 18 months in new American oak. Grapes came from the Barossa Valley (including Kalimna Vineyard), Magill and Modbury in Adelaide, and the Clare Valley. Drink now to 2012 (longer if you are British). 95+ points.