Penfolds Grange

[1] The term "Hermitage", the name of a French wine appellation, was commonly used in Australia as another synonym for Shiraz or Syrah.

During his time as Chief Winemaker several highly regarded Grange vintages were released, including 1976 and 1986.

[10] John Duval assumed the mantle of Penfolds Chief Winemaker from Ditter in 1986 until resigning in 2002.

The 1990 vintage of Grange attracted a great amount of interest after Wine Spectator Magazine named it their 'Wine of the Year' in 1995.

[11] The name "Hermitage" was dropped from the label with the 1990 vintage, following objections by the European Union authorities to the use of a French place-name; no third-country wine entering EU may carry a geographical name recognised by European wine officials.

[1][12] In 1991 and in 2000, Duval was named Red Winemaker of the Year at the International Wine Challenge in London.

This project was intended to produce a white wine that would equal the quality and reputation of Grange.

[14] In 2002, Peter Gago assumed custodianship of Penfolds Grange as the replacement Chief Winemaker for the outgoing John Duval.

[15] During the ensuing years Gago has overseen a number of highly acclaimed Grange vintages, including 2008.

[24][25] Penfolds Grange is the only wine to be heritage listed by the South Australian National Trust.

[citation needed] In the 1980s, Tooth & Co. (who were then part of the Adelaide Steamship Group) purchased a number of wineries, including Penfolds.