While it is not considered to be one of the great Granges, the 2000 exhibits outstanding potential, and is much more accessible than usual. One of the top wines I tasted from this vintage (which has had to take a back seat to subsequent years), its dense ruby/purple color is followed by a big, sweet nose of blackberries, cherries, chocolate, and earth. With decent acidity, ripe, silky tannin, superb intensity, wonderful equilibrium, and a more open-knit, softer, accessible style than usual, it can be drunk now or cellared for 15-16 years. While this is no wimpy wine, it is an ideal example for readers who are unwilling to invest the patience required for the big, blockbuster Granges.

Attractive redcurrant, mocha, tobacco-leaf notes, and fine bitter-sweet tannins. Still has viscosity but only medium weighted. Atypical rather than classic, but still shows Grange resilience. Controversial when released, but this vintage illustrates the strength of Penfolds sourcing and classification of fruit. 100% Barossa Valley Shiraz. Drink now–2028+, 14% alc.