2012 Penfolds Grange Hermitage
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Tasting notes
Bottle sourced from within the UK. Very deep blackish crimson. Spicy camphor nose. Sweet start with candied blackcurrant fruit, with a bit of char on the end. Slightly dry on the end. (JR)
Critic scores
Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW, Wine Advocate
Jancis Robinson MW
More reviews and scores
So much oak! Strong resemblance to great traditional Rioja from Ardanza or the like, with its coconut and vanilla scent. There is delicious blueberry and blackberry fruit too, with well-judged ripeness – it's not overripe or baked at all, but is very juicy. The tannins are approachable, with a super-fine floury texture. Long, powerful fruit concentration on the finish. It's savoury, but the fruit is so generous and plush. Not really showing much complexity beyond oak just yet, but there is no doubt that this will come. (RH)
Tasted blind. Exceptionally deep purplish crimson. Intensely spicy nose with hints of menthol cough syrup. Extremely rich and slightly salty – surely this is the Grange? Clean and obviously technically perfect. Very slightly sweet. (JR)
Deep garnet-purple in color, the 2012 Grange sports an earthy/meaty nose with notes of tree bark, dusty earth, underbrush and chargrill over a core of dried mulberries and Christmas cake, plus hints of pepper and baking spices. Rich, medium to full-bodied and seductive, it has spicy layers and a long meaty/savory finish.
About the producer
Penfolds is Australia’s most famous wine producer, known best for their iconic top wine, Grange. First produced commercially in 1952, Grange has since gone on to become one of the world’s most famous fine wines. In 2001, the wine was listed as an Australian heritage icon.