Penfolds Great Grandfather Rare Tawny 30 Year Old
The Penfolds Great Grandfather Rare Tawny was introduced in 1994 to celebrate Penfolds 150th anniversary. It has a minimum average blended age of 30 years. The series number denotes the number of times the solera has been drawn off and this is the 22nd bottling since 1994. The fractional blending system ensures the consistency of Penfolds House Style while its age and complexity of flavours is acknowledged by its Rare Tawny classification. As Great Grandfather is produced using a Solera system and sourced from additionally matured Grandfather stocks, it will always retain every variety used, albeit in small amounts. Of the some 13 varieties identified the major varieties which form the backbone of the blend from year to year are Shiraz, Grenache, Mataro and Cabernet. The current Great Grandfather Solera contains a vintage span of 42 years with individual components covering 1960 to 2002 included. This large span of vintages ensures consistency and that the required level of age and youth for complexity and freshness is maintained. For the first 20 years components are matured in the Grandfather Solera. Further maturation occurs in old oak hogsheads before being blended and introduced into the three stage ‘Great Grandfather Solera’. Only the very best and oldest casks are used for the additional maturation of this wine. Seamless and integrated from start to finish. Dark fruitcake, milk and dark chocolate, coffee, vanillin and aniseed all in abundance. Toffee/brûlée sugar with orange zest and marzipan add length and balance to the palate. The richness and weight of the wine are held in harmony by the spirit-acid balance, which conveys the long, persistent finish.
