At a glance

Producer

Penfolds

Region

South Australia, Australia

Grape variety

Shiraz (100%)

Wine type

Red

Body

Full-bodied and Bold

Sweetness

Dry

Typical price

$700-900 USD

Tasting profile

Dense black cherry, blackberry, spices, tobacco, licorice, dark chocolate, with layered complexity and pronounced oak influence.

Evolution: Will develop tertiary flavors such as leather, forest floor, and truffle over the next 10-20 years.

At peak: Complex integration of fruit, oak, and earthiness with silky tannins and profound length.

Structure

Acidity

Medium-High, balancing the richness

Tannins

Very Firm and Well-Structured

Alcohol

High (around 14.5-15%)

Aging potential

30-50+ years under ideal conditions

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2030 to 2054

Optimal window

2027 to 2057

Current status

Approaching early maturity; still quite youthful with strong tannins and structure

Current condition

Powerful, tannic, intense black fruits and spice, with great aging potential

The 2017 Penfolds Grange displays the power, concentration, and balanced acidity typical of top vintages, providing decades of evolution. Strong tannic structure and concentrated fruit underline a long drinking window that improves over 15+ years and can remain excellent for 30-50 years due to its richness and classic winemaking style.

Food pairing

Best paired with robust dishes such as aged Wagyu beef, game meats, rich stews, and strong cheeses. Also pairs well with smoky barbecue and dark chocolate desserts.

Serving

Serving temperature

18°C (64°F)

Decant

Yes (1-2 hours) — To soften the wine’s powerful tannins and reveal complex aromas and flavors.

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 7/10

Penfolds employs sustainable vineyard management including integrated pest management, water efficiency programs, and renewable energy use at their wineries. Packaging utilizes lightweight bottles and recycled materials where feasible.

Penfolds is a large, established producer committed to sustainable practices aligned with industry standards. While not organic or biodynamic certified for Grange, their sustainability initiatives focus on efficient resource use and environmental management systems. The high export volume increases the carbon footprint, but the producer actively works toward improving sustainability metrics.