The flagship of Australia's Southcorp group, Penfolds proves that quality can go hand in hand with quantity and is regarded as the dominant force in Australian wine at the moment. A Barossa Valley Shiraz, its name is condensed from 'red wine-making trial'. Still very much a red wine name, Penfolds is making a spirited bid for white wine fame with new Chardonnay and S millon from Adelaide Hills, led by the overpriced Yattarna , which set new heights for PR hype in 1998. Also produced is toasty The Valleys Chardonnay from the Clare and Eden Valleys, while Barossa Old Vine S millon and Koonunga Hill Chardonnay are attractive and well-made.
All reds are capable of age , the more concentrated versions for ten years or more.
Both Grange and Bin 707 need ten but will usually improve for 20 or more.