The Story of Grange
In 1957, Max Schubert was asked to show his efforts in Sydney to top management, wine identities and personal friends of the board. To his horror and humiliation the Grange experiment was universally disliked. Even further tastings in Adelaide resulted in negative opinion. One critic observed, 'Schubert, I congratulate you. A very good, dry port, which no one in their right mind will buy – let alone drink.' Embarrassed, angry and dejected, Max Schubert's ambitions to make 'a great wine that Australians would be proud of' were completely destroyed. Grange was dead.
It was the happenstance of distance between senior management in Sydney and winemakers in Adelaide, 1,400 kilometres apart, which saved Grange. With the help of Magill's assistant general manager Jeffrey Penfold Hyland and Schubert's team of winemakers, all the experimental Grange was hidden in the underground cellars of Magill and from 1957 to 1959, the 'hidden Granges' were made without the knowledge of the Penfolds board. Max Schubert continued to source fruit and make his experiments in secret.
Although management was kept away, friends and associates were occasionally brought in to taste the wines. Some bottles were even given away. Although considered uncommercial in 1957, news was filtering out about Schubert's unique Grange Hermitage. A second tasting with the same board members was organised of the 1951 and 1955 vintages, both with bottle age development, were greeted with enthusiasm (the 1955 went on to have a very successful wine show career). The Penfolds board ordered production of Grange to restart, just in time for the 1960 vintage. During the 1960s Grange firmed its position as Australia's most distinguished wine. The rest is history. It marked the beginning of a 'dynasty of wines' that would capture the imagination of the Australian wine consumer.
Penfolds Platinum Wine Selection
Penfolds Bin 51 Eden Valley Riesling
The region’s high altitude and cool climate induces Riesling with great finesse and elegance. A fresh and citrusy taste yet still supporting a soft, balanced acidity.
Penfolds Reserve Bin A Chardonnay
White stone fruits, nectarine & peach, puffs of cordite flint add to this evocative & multi-faceted aromatic offer. Full-flavoured & fully expressive. A layered & textural palate adorned with stylish French oak & a substantial mid-palate.
Penfolds Bin 28 Kalimna Shiraz
Distinctive fruit definition and volume, a hallmark of Bin 28. Ripe tannins and assertive chocolate aromatics are facilitated by mouth-coating tannins.
Penfolds Grange
Enjoy the original and most powerful expression of Penfolds multi-vineyard, multi-district blending philosophy with a glass of Grange. Arguably Australia’s most celebrated wine, it is officially listed as a Heritage Icon of South Australia.
We use the Coravin Wine Preservation System to ensure every glass of Grange is amazing. It ensures that wine is extracted without Oxygen being introduced to the bottle. The wine then continues to age as it would if the bottle wasn’t opened.
Penfolds Grandfather Rare Tawny
The nose is extremely complex & fragrant, possessing an array of nutty, vanillin, aged characters melding seamlessly with hints of raisined fruit, malt & lifted spirit. The palate effortlessly displays the famed attributes of great Liqueur Tawny; luscious, rich & full flavoured with mouth filling viscosity.
Degustation Dining
First Course
Canapés & sparkling wine served on arrival
Second Course
Fresh & fragrant Herb Salad
Third Course
Smoked Salmon Rosette with caviar dressing
Fourth Course
Ravioli pillows with spinach and ricotta filling
Fifth Course
Southern Highlands Angus Tenderloin served with sauteed mushrooms and rich jus
Sixth Course
Malibu and Coconut Delight
Other Helpful Information
About Your Vessel
Cruise aboard the spectacular MV Sydney 2000 with million dollar views and expansive cocktail decks. Our world class vessels are chosen for many international VIP dignitaries including the official arrival of Pope Benedict XVI for World Youth Day. Air-conditioned restaurant decks, private dining rooms, expansive decks and 360 degree open Star Deck are just a few of the features. Special attention has been made to ensure fantastic views from every seat with below table height windows. Sydney 2000 operates on dining cruises most days however we do always reserve the right to amend vessels at any time.
Children under 18 years are not permitted on this cruise.
Dress: We recommend Smart & Stylish - collared shirts for men and jackets in winter.
Accessibility for people with a Disability Policy
Responsible Service of Alcohol Policy
Special Diet? We regret special diets cannot be catered for on the Penfolds Gold or Penfolds Platinum dinner cruises. Please refer to our Captains Dinner
Special Conditions apply to all Special Offers
