The 2004 vintage was outstanding in Barossa, McLaren Vale, and Magill, the regions where the grapes were sourced for the marvelous 2004 Grange. It contains 4% Cabernet Sauvignon and was aged for 16 months in 100% new American oak hogsheads. A glass-coating opaque purple color, it displays a superb nose of wood smoke, Asian spices, incense, game, blueberry, and blackberry liqueur. Medium to full-bodied, satin textured, with deeply layered, succulent blackberry, plum, and chocolate flavors, it has the structure and complexity to merit extended cellaring of a decade and more. The winery estimates a drinking curve of 2016 to 2050; I'd be a bit more conservative on the long end of the range. It will ultimately be seen as one of the great vintages of Grange.
Robert Parker Wine Advocate # 186 Dec 2009

"Critics say it's almost perfect - and at about $550 a bottle, so it should be.

The latest vintage of Australia's iconic wine Penfolds Grange was released yesterday.

The 2004 vintage of the Grange has been hailed by its maker Peter Gago as among the finest.

"The wait for the 2004 Grange release has been worthwhile ... arguably one of the finest in recent times," Mr Gago said.

The 2004 Grange was released early yesterday morning and is expected to carry a price tag of $549 a bottle.

The 2004 vintage, comprising 96 per cent shiraz and 4 per cent cabernet sauvignon, has already been met with acclaim from wine critics.

Wine websites winefront.com.au and wineaway.com.au rate the 2004 Grange as 99 out of 100, while respected wine boffin Jeremy Oliver rated it 98 out of 100.

The Daily Telegraph, 2 May 2009