97 Points Robert Parker
Containing just a dollop of 4.1% Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2005 Grange is about 85%+ Barossa fruit with the remaining proportions coming from McLaren vale and Coonawarra. It was aged for 18 months in 100% new American oak hogsheads. The nose begins a bit animal with some smoked game, mincemeat and bacon notes emerging over the freshly crushed, sun-warmed blackberries, black currant cordial, earth, black truffles, anise and allspice. Rich and full with very firm very fine tannins and very crisp acid, it gives a long finish layered with coffee, mincemeat and toast. Drink it 2013 to 2025+.
Source: Robert Parker (Robert Parker Wine Advocate) by Lisa Perrotti-Brown. December, 2010
96 Points James Halliday
Protocol prevented me retasting this wine prior to its release date of 1 May '10, notwithstanding that no one will have read these words prior to the release of this book in late July '10. So this is my tasting note from the Rewards of Patience Tasting held in Sept '07. Colour little different to the '04; tighter, more compact than the '04, yet the fruit line is glossy and smooth, the tannins (and acidity) acting as the brake and giving tightness. These are a different pair, and it will be fascinating to watch their development. Drink to 2045.
Source: James Halliday. September, 2007
95 Points Hooke
Great colour again, nearly as deep as '04's. Oak shows: nutmeg spices; nutty and violets/floral. Fine quality oak shows, but it is superb oak. A top wine, already seems very elegant and balanced. Slightly alcoholic finish. Rather oak-led at this stage. A class act, like the '04. Best between 3 and 35 years.
Huon Hooke, The Real Review. April, 2011