1997 Grange, Penfolds

It's difficult to avoid the word 'icon' when considering such a label. Grange has undoubtedly been that, decade after decade. And with more than two of those decades now behind the glorious '97 vintage, here's a bottle that is now more ready than ever to be discovered.

"The 1997 Grange (a blend of 96% Shiraz and 4% Cabernet Sauvignon) looks to be a classic Grange, although slightly softer and more forward than the backward 1996. The saturated purple-colored 1997 offers a gorgeously sweet nose of blackberry liqueur, cherries, camphor, chocolate, plums, and mocha. The wine is opulently-textured, extremely soft, layered, and seductive, with Grange's tell-tale personality well-displayed, but in a seamless, seductive style. This is a superb Grange that can hold its own against the more heralded 1996. Anticipated maturity: 2005-2022." 94 points, The Wine Advocate.