1998 Penfolds Magill Estate Shiraz 750ml

Penfolds Magill Estate Shiraz is one of Australia’s most historic and distinctive single-vineyard wines. Produced at the original Magill Estate on the outskirts of Adelaide—where Penfolds was founded in 1844—it represents a seamless union of heritage, terroir, and meticulous craftsmanship. The wine showcases the unique character of the estate’s old-vine Shiraz, combining intensity and structure with the elegance of French oak maturation. VineyardThe Magill Estate vineyard is located on the eastern edge of Adelaide, planted on red-brown clay loam over shale and quartz. These dry-grown, low-yielding vines produce fruit of great concentration and savoury depth. The 1998 vintage was handpicked, fermented in open-top fermenters at the historic Magill winery, and matured for 14 months in a mix of new French and American oak, allowing both fruit purity and oak complexity to integrate harmoniously. Vintage1998 is regarded as one of the greatest vintages in Australian wine history. A warm and dry growing season in South Australia led to small, intensely flavoured berries with perfect ripeness. For Magill Estate, it produced a Shiraz of remarkable power, richness, and structure—combining opulence with the hallmark balance that defines this estate. Tasting NotesThe 1998 Magill Estate Shiraz shows a deep crimson-black hue with a garnet rim. The nose is rich and complex, featuring aromas of blackberry, plum, mocha, cedar, and exotic spice, underpinned by subtle hints of leather and earth. The palate is full-bodied and layered, offering concentrated black fruit, espresso, and dark chocolate framed by polished tannins. The oak is beautifully integrated, contributing to a long, savoury finish. Now in peak maturity, this vintage displays both power and refinement in perfect harmony. Critics’ Acclaim 96 points – James Halliday 95 points – Jeremy Oliver 94 points – Robert Parker’s Wine AdvocateUniversally acclaimed as one of the finest Magill Estate releases of the 1990s, admired for its depth, balance, and longevity. Technical Information Region: Magill Estate, Adelaide, South Australia Variety: 100% Shiraz Alcohol: ~14% Maturation: 14 months in French (60%) and American oak (40%) hogsheads, 60% new Closure: Cork Drinking Window: 2008–2040+ A Collectible GemThe 1998 Penfolds Magill Estate Shiraz is a benchmark vintage that captures the power of a great year and the precision of single-vineyard winemaking. Combining richness, structure, and polish, it remains one of the most collectible Magill Estate bottlings of the modern era—a superb reflection of Penfolds’ historic legacy.