Penfolds Grange Wine Dinner at Cafe Maxx

"You have only so many bottles in your life, never drink a bad one."
-Len Evans

One of the reasons that I get out of bed in the morning is to drink wines like Penfold’s Grange. Grange is a symbol of the best that Australia has to offer, the pinnacle of quality and the epitome of what a Shiraz from South Australia is and what a standard bearer should be. That is why this is an annual event for us- all we ask for is simply the best. We will taste through several of Penfolds current releases and preview the newly released 2007 Grange along with several older vintages of this wine to show you why Grange is the ultimate in Australian Shiraz. Chef Oliver Saucy will be preparing a special five course tasting menu to accompany the wines. This event is limited to 16 people and the fee for this dinner is $295 per person + tax, for reservations call 954-523-9463.

Penfolds Dinner at Cafe Maxx
Friday, July 20th
7pm

Passarounds

Mini shrimp philo purses
Wahoo tartare with spicy mayo and caviar
Jumbo lump crab with tropical fruit

Penfolds Riesling Bin 51 2009
Price: $19.50 Sale $17.16 Case $199

The Eden Valley, a sub-region of the Barossa 450 metres above sea level, provides both. Similar conditions can be found in the classical riesling regions of Alsace, Austria, the Mosel and the Rhine. The Bin 51 Eden Valley Riesling, with its pristine fruit quality, natural energy and fine acid backbone, is a powerful, dry Eden Valley-style riesling.

At harvest the vineyards are triaged according to fruit profile, resulting in wines that are very floral with beautiful rose petal/camomile aromas, impressive concentration and mouth-watering natural acidity. There are nuances of lime – a regional characteristic. However, this is a wine that has both power and delicacy; reflecting the pure, unadulterated perfume of riesling and the mineral smell and flavours of the vineyard site.

First Course

Hog snapper with sunflower seed crust, Jerusalem artichoke mash opal basil butter, golden beets and green beans

Penfolds Chardonnay Yattarna 2006
Price: $90 Sale $79.20 Case $918

The first vintage, released in 1995, was the impressive result of an intensive research project across state borders, to find the distinguished vineyard sites capable of yielding that rare and exquisite fruit quality, necessary for a truly great Australian chardonnay.

Ever since, the evolution of Yattarna has become one of Penfolds’ most fascinating stories and nearly two decades of dedicated research, blending and refinement is now producing a revelational release each vintage.

Modern day Yattarna has become even finer, more elegant and focused, with ageing potential of up to a decade in strong vintages. Yattarna is redefining Australian chardonnay at a time when premium Australian chardonnay has never been better.

Second Course
Rabbit confit and house made papparedelle, wild mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, pearl onions, shaved Manchego and natural herb reduction sauce

Penfolds Shiraz Magill Estate 1997
Price: $56.25 Sale $49.50

This is the only single vineyard wine in the Penfold's line-up and is from the original vineyard that Dr. Penfolds planted in the Barossa Valley. The restaurant at magill Estate is one of the best in all of Australia and this is one of my favorite wines that Penfolds makes and this 1997 is a mature example of a great Aussie Shiraz. This is out of my personal stash!

Third Course
Sautéed Hudson valley foie gras with blue raspberry glaze, potato croquette and arugula

Penfolds Shiraz RWT Shiraz 2009
Price: $156 Sale $137.28 Case $1591

RWT draws fruit from 20 to 100 year-old vineyards arcing across the west and north-west of the Barossa Valley, mostly independently grown. The best vineyards produce fruit of voluptuous intensity, ripe tannins, and juicy flavours. The RWT Shiraz has a very seductive style with a plum/blueberry fruit profile and fine ripe tannins underpinned by savoury French oak.

Since its first vintage in 1997, collectors have recognised the sheer class of RWT. Already the wine has a strong secondary market following, illustrating its collectability and cellaring potential.

Fourth Course
Grill roasted rack of lamb with garlic mint crumb crust red wine sauce and seasonal vegetable medley

2005 Penfolds Cellar Reserve Shiraz Cabernet Sauvignon South Australia
Price: $80 Sale $70.40 Case $816

(93 points) The most distinctive of blends, considering the sources, is the 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon (65%) – Shiraz (35%) “Cellar Reserve.” The Cabernet component is sourced from Coonawarra and the Shiraz from Barossa. Opaque purple/black in color, the nose is redolent of pain grille, vanilla, Asian spices, violets, black currants, and blackberry liqueur. Full-bodied and firm on the palate, the wine has excellent depth, gobs of ripe fruit, and good balance but is an infant developmentally. Give this lengthy blend 8-10 years in the cellar and drink it through 2035. Wine Advocate # 173 Oct 2007

Cheese Course
Selection of artisanal cheeses with fruit chutney, assorted crostini & crackers and seasonal fruit

Surprise Older Vintage of Penfolds Grange

Penfolds Grange 1995
NA

(97 Points)  A massive wine, majestic in its proportions, combining power and grace in equal measure. Flavors of plum, blackberry, chocolate and pepper, with hints of cedar, licorice and mint, swirl through the exotic finish. Tannins swarm but don't overwhelm the finish, which echoes all day and night. Best from 2004 through 2020. 9,800 cases made. –HS  Wine Spectator Top 100: 2000, Rank: 26

Penfolds Grange 2007
Price: $585 Sale $497

(95 Points) The 2007 Penfolds Grange is comprised of 97% Shiraz and 3% Cabernet Sauvignon coming predominately from Barossa vineyards with smaller proportions from Magill Estate and McLaren Vale. It was matured for 21 months in 100% new American oak hogsheads. Very deep garnet-purple in color, the nose is intensely scented of vibrant blueberry preserve, mulberry and kirsch aromas over hints of cedar, mocha, vanilla and anise. The full bodied palate is richly fruited with pure black berry and baking spice flavors offset by crisp acidity and a firm level of velvety tannins, finishing long. This is quite an opulent, forward Grange, which is very tempting to drink now, though of course will reward at least 5-10 years of cellaring and should keep to 2030+. The Wine Advocate

Dessert
Caramel and mixed nut tart with chocolate caramel sauce

Penfolds Grandfather Port
Price: $88.75 Sale $78.10

In 1844, Christopher Rawson Penfold planted vines on the slopes of Magill to produce fortified wines. Now the historic bluestone cellars are home to a tradition of fortified winemaking dating back over 150 years.

In 1915, an oak cask containing a blend of the finest tawnies the company possessed was set aside for the exclusive use of the Penfold family. This became known as 'the Grandfather' due to the great age of the oldest tawnies in the blend.

We have a huge collection of Penfolds wines in the store right now. Here is a list of everything that we have in stock at the moment.

2009 Penfolds Rielsing Eden Valley
Price: $19.50 Sale $17.16
Quantity in Stock: 6

(89 Points) Penfolds- 2009 Bin 51 Riesling was sourced from two Eden Valley vineyards. Medium straw-colored, it gives up a stellar nose of spring flowers, mineral, and citrus. Crisp, flavorful, dry, and well-balanced on the palate, it will evolve for 2-3 years and drink well through 2017. Wine Advocate # 186, Dec 2009

2008 Penfolds Chardonnay Bin 311
Price: $25.50 Sale $22.44
Quantity in Stock: 5

(90 points) The 2006 Chardonnay “Bin 311” was raised in older oak and went through malolactic fermentation. It exhibits an enticing aromatic array of mineral, green apple, and white peach. This is followed by a crisp, Chablis-like Chardonnay emphasizing pure, vibrant fruit. It is supple-textured and has a long, refreshing finish. Drink it over the next 3-4 years. Wine Advocate #173, Oct 2007

2006 Penfolds Chardonnay Yattarna
Price: $90.00 Sale $79.20
Quantity in Stock: 4

(92 points) Tangy, with lime and green berry flavors up front, showing restraint and a nice lift from bright acidity. The fruit wafts through the finish. This white has finesse and needs time to flesh out. Drink now through 2016. 100 cases imported. –HS Issue: Nov 30, 2009

2006 Penfolds Pinot Noir Cellar Reserve Adelaide Hills
Price: $42.00 Sale $36.96
Quantity in Stock: 3

(90 points) The red wines start with the 2006 Pinot Noir “Cellar Reserve”. A mere 1,200 cases were produced of this wild yeast fermented Pinot, all of which is destined for restaurants. Dark ruby-colored, it reveals an enticing perfume of red plums, kirsch, and raspberry. Medium-bodied, it has layers of spicy flavors, elegance, and excellent balance. It will evolve for 3-4 years and drink well through 2020.  Wine Advocate #173, Oct 2007

2010 Penfolds Shiraz Thomas Hyland Adelaide
Price: $18.00 Sale $15.84
Quantity in Stock: 2

2006 Penfolds Shiraz Bin 128 Coonawarra
Price: $23.75 Sale $20.90
Quantity in Stock: 12

(91 Points) Crisp, open-textured and beguiling for its beautifully proportioned blackberry, currant, plum and spice flavors, hinting at black pepper as the finish sails on enticingly. Best from 2011 through 2018. 13,000 cases imported. -HS Wine Spectator Issue: Jun 15, 2009

2002 Penfolds Cabernet Sauvignon Bin 407 South Australia
Price: $36.00 Sale $31.68
Quantity in Stock: 1

1996 Penfolds Bin 28 Shiraz Kalimna
Price: $40.00 Sale $35.20
Quantity in Stock: 56

(90 points) A beguiling combination of rich, almost decadentflavors on an upright frame that has a nicelyburied backbone of acidity and tannin. Nothing isobtrusive, everything is in graceful balance,leaving an ultimate impression of both muscle andflesh. Best after 2002. 6,600 cases imported. –HS Issue: Jan 31, 2000

2004 Penfolds Bin 28 Shiraz MAGNUM
Price: $49.00 Sale $43.12
Quantity in Stock: 12

(90 points) Penfolds’ Shiraz lineup is impressive. Leading off is the 2004 Shiraz “Kalimna Bin 28”. Purple colored, it has an attractive nose of smoke, grilled meat, and blueberry. Medium to full-bodied, it is a straightforward Shiraz with loads of flavor, good balance, and a moderately long finish. It is a very good value. Wine Advocate # 173 Oct 2007

2006 Penfolds Bin 28 Shiraz Kalimna MAGNUM
Price: $45.00 Sale $39.60
Quantity in Stock: 5

2006 Penfolds Bin 28 Shiraz Kalimna
Price: $25.00 Sale $22.08
Quantity in Stock: 14

(90+ Points) The 2006 Kalimna Bin 28 Shiraz was made primarily from Barossa Valley fruit. It was aged for 12 months in seasoned American oak hogsheads. Aromas of soy, pepper, lavender, blueberry, and licorice lead to a medium to full-bodied, fleshy wine with layers of spicy black fruit, enough structure to evolve for 4-6 years, and a lengthy finish. Drink this nicely priced wine from 2013 to 2021. Wine Advocate # 186, Dec 2009

2009 Penfolds Cabernet Shiraz Bin 389 Australia
Price: $52.50 Sale $46.20
Quantity in Stock: 3

(91 points) The 2006 Bin 389 Cabernet (52%)-Shiraz (48%) was primarily sourced from Barossa Valley and Langhorne Creek. The wine was aged for 12 months in 22% new American oak hogsheads. Opaque purple-colored, it delivers aromas of mulberry, blackberry, cedar, and Asian spices. On the palate, spicy, ripe black fruits and a hint of tapenade make an appearance. Nicely balanced with several years of aging potential, it can be enjoyed from 2011 to 2021.  Wine Advocate #186, Dec 2009

1997 Penfolds Shiraz Magill Estate South Australia
Price: $56.25 Sale $49.50
Quantity in Stock: 6

1999 Penfolds Magill Estate Shiraz South Australia
Price: $70.00 Sale $61.60
Quantity in Stock: 6

(90 points) The 1999 Shiraz Magill Estate reveals complex aromatics of subtle oak, new saddle leather, blackberry jam, and smoke. Medium to full-bodied, with a measured, elegant, restrained personality, it tastes like a cool climate Shiraz with a European-like delicacy and elegance. Anticipated maturity: 2004-2015. Wine Advocate # 143 Oct 2002

2001 Penfolds St Henri Shiraz South Australia
Price: $70.00 Sale $61.60
Quantity in Stock: 6

Powerful nose of black cherry black raspberry light smoke, grilled meats highlighted by aromas of melted black licorice, a big and seductive nose. Big and chewy wine with a good amount of black cherry and black raspberry fruit, medium bodied with notes of black spice through the finish. Finish 45+ EXCELLENT +

2004 Penfolds St Henri Shiraz South Australia MAGNUMS
Price: $140.00
Quantity in Stock: 8

2004 Penfolds Shiraz St Henri South Australia
Price: $70.00 Sale $61.60
Quantity in Stock: 12

(90)Open-textured, medium-bodied and distinctive for its coffee-accented blackberry and black olive flavors, finishing with fine tannins. Best from 2011 through 2020. Tasted twice, with consistent notes. Wine Spectator Oct 15, 2008

2005 Penfolds St Henri Shiraz South Australia
Price: $65.00 Sale $57.20
Quantity in Stock: 18

(90 points) The 2005 St. Henri Shiraz is matured for 16 months in large, seasoned oak vats and includes 10% Cabernet Sauvignon. It exhibits a floral-accented perfume along with nutmeg, cinnamon, licorice, and blueberry. Medium-bodied and impeccably balanced, it displays a complex array of fruit and spice flavors leading to a lengthy, pure finish. Drink this stylish effort over the next 10-12 years. Wine Advocate # 186 Dec 2009

2006 Penfolds Shiraz St. Henri South Australia
Price: $72.00 Sale $63.36
Quantity in Stock: 4

(91 Points) The 2006 Magill Estate Shiraz is a single vineyard cuvee aged for 14 months in 71% new French oak hogsheads and 29% new American oak hogsheads. Opaque purple in color, it has a captivating perfume of violets, mocha, tobacco, incense, and blueberry that jumps from the glass. Medium-bodied, elegant, and balanced with enough fine-grained tannin to evolve for several years, it will offer a drinking window extending from 2012 to 2026. Wine Advocate # 186, Dec 2009

2005 Penfolds Cellar Reserve Shiraz Cabernet Sauvignon South Australia
Price: $80.00 Sale $70.40
Quantity in Stock: 12

(93 points) The most distinctive of blends, considering the sources, is the 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon (65%) – Shiraz (35%) “Cellar Reserve.” The Cabernet component is sourced from Coonawarra and the Shiraz from Barossa. Opaque purple/black in color, the nose is redolent of pain grille, vanilla, Asian spices, violets, black currants, and blackberry liqueur. Full-bodied and firm on the palate, the wine has excellent depth, gobs of ripe fruit, and good balance but is an infant developmentally. Give this lengthy blend 8-10 years in the cellar and drink it through 2035.  Wine Advocate # 173 Oct 2007

2001 Penfolds RWT Shiraz Barossa
Price: $75.00 Sale $66
Quantity in Stock: 4

(94 points) Ripe and open-textured, rife with cherry, currant and blueberry jam flavors, subtlety shaded with spicy, slightly smoky overtones that linger along with the fruit on a very persistent finish. A hint of melted wax that is intriguing as well. Best from 2005 through 2015. 8,000 cases made. –HS Issue: Sep 30, 2004

2002 Penfolds Shiraz RWT
Price: $82.50 Sale $72.60
Quantity in Stock: 6

(93 Points) The outstanding 2002 Shiraz RWT is a 100% Shiraz, single region (Barossa) offering that typically spends 14 months in a combination of two-thirds new and one-third old French oak. Expansive and rich with a broad texture, and a complex nose of white chocolate, raspberries, black cherries, and licorice, this spicy, rich, medium-bodied, elegant 2002 should drink well for 10-12 years. Wine Advocate # 161, October 2005

2005 Penfolds RWT Shiraz Barossa
Price: $82.50 Sale $72.60
Quantity in Stock: 6

(92 Points)The 2005 RWT Shiraz was aged in 70% new French oak hogsheads. The bouquet shows off aromas of pain grille, pencil lead, damp earth, pepper, game, blueberry, and blackberry liqueur. Velvety textured, supple, ripe and succulent, this elegant effort is impeccably balanced and built for pleasure. Drink it over the next 10-12 years. Wine Advocate # 181, Feb 2009

2006 Penfolds RWT Shiraz Barossa
Price: $156.00 Sale $137.28
Quantity in Stock: 2

(95 Points) The 2006 RWT Shiraz was aged for 14 months in 70% new French oak hogsheads. The winery describes its style as opulent and fleshy compared to Grange's muscular and assertive personality. Opaque purple in color, it offers aromas of Asian spices, beef juice, toast, blueberry, and licorice. Rich, fleshy, and round, it has plenty of underlying tannin, impeccable balance, and a long, pure finish. It will deliver prime drinking from 2014 to 2030. Wine Advocate # 186, Dec 2009

2007 Penfolds RWT Shiraz Barossa
Price: $156.00 Sale $137.28
Quantity in Stock: 2

(93 Points) The 2007 RWT Shiraz is 100% Barossa Valley Shiraz matured 13 months in French hogsheads, 71% new. Very deep garnet-purple colored, it presents youthfully mute aromas of warm blackberries, stewed plums, kirsch, cedar and cloves with an array of Indian spices opening out with air. In the full-bodied mouth it gives very firm, coarsely grained tannins, very crisp acid and good concentration, finishing long and chewy. It should be more open and approachable after a year or two in bottle, drinking to 2022 . Wine Advocate # 192, Dec 2010

2008 Penfolds RWT Shiraz Barossa
Price: $156.00 Sale $137.28
Quantity in Stock: 1

2004 Penfolds Bin 707 Cabernet Sauvignon South Australia MAGNUM
Price: $500.00 Sale $440
Quantity in Stock: 6

(92 points) Polished and ripe, with sweet spices from toasty oak weaving through the detailed currant, blackberry and cream flavors, lingering effortlessly on the beautifully formed, persistent finish. Not a big wine, but this has tremendous class. Drink now through 2016. 951 cases imported. –HS Issue: Sep 30, 2007

2008 Penfolds Bin 707 Cabernet Sauvignon South Australia
Price: $215.00 Sale $189.20
Quantity in Stock: 10

1987 Penfolds Grange
Price: $390.00 Sale $343.20
Quantity in Stock: 1

(90 points) A light, elegant style of Grange made with a blend of 90% Shiraz and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, this wine has a deep ruby/purple color and a spicy, peppery nose with some new oak, black cherry, and blackberry flavors. The wine shows some dry tannin in the finish that may ultimately prove worrisome given the less-than-massive style of this vintage. Nevertheless, there is still a lot to like in this wine, which is very pure, ripe, and medium to full-bodied. Anticipated maturity: 2003-2016. eRobertParker.com, Feb 2002

1990 Penfolds Grange South Australia
Price: $440.00 Sale $387.20
Quantity in Stock: 1

(94+ points) The 1990 performed well in the tasting, but, along with the 1980, was the least impressive of these Granges. The 1990 is loosely knit, seems to border on overripeness with its jammy character, and has a slightly more aggressive style of tannin ... or are the acids more pronounced? It is certainly outstanding, displaying full body along with a classic smoky, blackberry, cassis, pepper, and forest floor-scented bouquet. Of all these wines, it appears to be the most evolved.

Grange, Penfolds’ flagship wine, is, by many accounts, the most renowned and world-famous wine produced in Australia, and these six vintages from my cellar all acquitted themselves well. These wines are almost always Shiraz, but many vintages include less than 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, and there are cross-appellations blends from vineyards in the Barossa and McLaren Vale. Wine Advocate # 183 Jun 2009

1998 Penfolds Grange South Australia
Price: $420.00 Sale $369.60
Quantity in Stock: 1

(99 Points) The 1998 Grange will be legendary. A blend of 97% Shiraz and 3% Cabernet Sauvignon, it tips the scales at a whopping 14.5% alcohol. The inky/purple color is followed by an extraordinarily intense nose of creme de cassis intermixed with blueberry and floral notes. As the wine sits in the glass, aromas of meat, plums, and cola also emerge. It is a seamless effort with sweet tannin, well-integrated acidity, sensational extract, and layer upon layer of blackberry and cassis fruit that stain the palate and fill the mouth. Its harmony, freshness, and remarkable length (the finish lasts nearly a minute) suggest an all-time classic. Anticipated maturity: 2006-2030. Wine Advocate # 148 August 2003

2003 Penfolds Grange South Australia
Price: $295.00 Sale $259.60
Quantity in Stock: 9

(94 Points) 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 2020. 680 cases imported. –HS Wine Spectator Issue: Oct 15, 2008

2006 Penfolds Grange South Australia
Price: $462.00 Sale $406.56
Quantity in Stock: 1

Winemaker Notes: Grange is arguably Australia's most famous wine and is officially listed as a Heritage Icon of South Australia. Grange boasts an unbroken line of vintages from the experimental 1951 and clearly demonstrates the synergy between Shiraz and the soils and climates of South Australia.
Penfolds Grange displays fully ripe, intensely flavoured and textured Shiraz grapes. The result is a unique Australian style that is now recognised as one of the most consistent of the world's great wines. The Grange style is the original and most powerful expression of Penfolds multi-vineyard, multi-district blending philosophy.