2018 Penfolds Grange Hermitage

Fourth favourite in a comparative tasting of five 2018 Syrahs. Tasted blind. Pink/purple rim. Extremely sweet – tastes like a Barossa Shiraz. A very rich start and then a dry finish. Extremely youthful. (JR)

97% Shiraz, 3% Cabernet Sauvignon. Aged 18 months in American oak (100% new). Like the great wines of the world, there is something instantly impressive about the nose. It's the extra degree of purity and clarity of aroma, and the seamlessness of the palate. Uncannily soft tannins, a temptress to drink now. Layers and layers of flavour. Long, long persistence and development. (RH)

The 2018 Grange Bin 95 is an ultra-premium blend of Shiraz and 3% Cabernet Sauvignon. It will go down as one of the great Grange vintages with immaculate balance and poise despite immense concentration. The sheer density of fruit is breath-taking, with exceptional vitality also on display. There is a dense, muscular core of fruit including blackberries, licorice, tar and dried sage in perfect alignment with decadent but well integrated American oak. Despite superb palate concentration, it is also surprisingly light on its feet and vibrant with wave after wave of brooding dark berry fruit and soy sauce flavours. A deep well of tannins also support an almost endless and distinguished finish. This will age incredibly well and improve for decades. (AH)