Parker rates Grange

Penfolds Grange has again been recognised as one of the world's greatest wines, with influential US critic Robert Parker awarding its latest vintage a score of 99 out of 100. Parker was credited with lifting Grange to superstar status when he named the 1990 vintage the greatest red in the world, but even that wine was given only 94 points.

The 99 points he awarded to the latest release, the 2004 vintage, has been beaten only once -- by the 1976 vintage -- and equalled only by the 1986. "It will ultimately be seen as one of the greatest vintages of Grange," Parker wrote in his review of the 2004.

Andrew Caillard, auctioneer with wine auction house Langton's, said that although Parker was no longer as influential as he was during the 1990s, his seal of approval had the power to boost demand and therefore the price. "Grange is the most important Australian wine at auction and any of these types of endorsements just underpin its performance," Mr Caillard said.

Rich & Lingering can incorporate a Taste of Grange into their private tours in Barossa Valley. The current release of Grange 2004, can be enjoyed along with other iconic Penfolds lables, such as RWT and Bin707.