Penfolds Grange Shiraz 1952
Penfolds Grange Shiraz 1952
13.5% alcohol, cork, South Australia.
There was an “experimental” release in the previous year but this 1952 Penfolds Grange was the first commercial release. I tasted it at the Rewards of Patience tasting at the Adelaide Oval in 2007. It was as surreal an experience as it was breath-taking. The Adelaide Oval, a sporting venue, could be seen as an unusual venue for such a tasting. It wasn’t. Australian sporting legends had walked the wooden floors of the very room in which this bottle was opened. Grange is its own kind of legend. As I tasted this wine I could see, through a window beyond, the bright green of the cricket oval. There were perhaps a dozen people in the room but when this wine was poured it went so quiet that I could hear the tear rolling down my cheek.
Production of 1952 Penfolds Grange is commonly cited at 150 dozen but it was somewhere between 100-150 dozen.
It sold for 15 shillings per bottle ($1.50) on release.
Grange is usually Bin 95 but some bottles of the 1952 were labelled Bin 4 and 4A.
Unusually for Grange it was also bottled in 375ml (half) bottles. 1952, 1953 and 1962 are the only Penfolds Grange releases to be bottled in 375ml bottles (as well, of course, in 750ml).
1952 Grange was made using 100 percent shiraz, grown at Magill Estate in Adelaide and at Morphett Vale just outside.
1952 Grange was made by the creator of Penfolds Grange, Max Schubert.
1952 Penfolds Grange spent (what was to become) a customary 18 months in oak.
The first commercial release of Penfolds Grange, this 1952, was made with 100% shiraz.
Vintage conditions for 1952 Grange are described as “normal” and “average”.
To see where 1952 Grange sits in alcohol terms, relative to all other releases of Penfolds Grange, read the article [Penfolds Grange — Alcohol Levels, Vintage by Vintage].
Review:
Despite its oxidised characters, despite its age, it still has distinct notes of raspberry and kirsch, leather, Bonox and beef. The palate too has a sandy, savoury strength, the texture of it the real ace in its character. It is glycerol and smooth, with milky latte notes carrying through to a very long finish. This wine, as a drink, in 2007, was arguably quite a ways past its best and yet I finished my note with the words: “I accept the oxidation. I welcome its transport. What an experience.”
Score: No score. Some wines go beyond the numbers.
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All reviews of Penfolds Grange on this site are available via the Penfolds Grange tag.
Penfolds is a Mattinson 10-Star Winery.
