At a glance

Producer

Penfolds

Region

South Australia, Australia

Grape variety

Shiraz (97%), Cabernet Sauvignon (3%)

Wine type

Red

Body

Full-bodied and Bold

Sweetness

Dry

Typical price

Approximately $700-$900 USD

Tasting profile

Dark blackberry and plum, layered with mocha, smoked meat, leather, and subtle spice

Evolution: Will develop tertiary notes of earth, truffle, dried herbs, and complex savory layers

At peak: Silky texture with balanced tannins, deep complexity, and long finish

Structure

Acidity

Medium-high

Tannins

High and firm but well-integrated for age

Alcohol

High, ~14.5-15%

Aging potential

30-40+ years from vintage, suitable for long-term cellaring

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2030 to 2053

Optimal window

2025 to 2056

Current status

Young but gaining complexity; holding strong tannic structure

Current condition

Firm tannins and acidity with rich fruit; will benefit from further cellaring

Penfolds Grange 2016 is a benchmark vintage with superb fruit concentration and structure allowing decades of aging. The wine's robust tannins and acidity provide a strong backbone that supports slow maturation and development of complexity on the palate well beyond 2040.

Food pairing

Grilled or roasted red meats such as ribeye, lamb, venison; rich stews and aged hard cheeses

Serving

Serving temperature

16-18°C / 61-64°F

Decant

Yes (1-2 hours) — To soften tannins and open aromas, especially when drinking younger or before peak maturity

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 7/10

Penfolds implements water conservation, energy-efficient cellar operations; selective hand-harvesting; some packaging improvements

While not certified organic or biodynamic, Penfolds embraces several sustainability initiatives including water management and energy efficiency. The vintage-scale production and global distribution add to carbon footprint, though the producer is actively working towards reducing environmental impact.