1952 Australian Vintage
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The birth of Penfolds Grange, released commercially for the first time from just 100-150 cases at under $1 a bottle.
The 1952 Australian vintage marks the first commercial release of Penfolds Grange, a pivotal moment in wine history. Max Schubert followed his experimental 1951 vintage with this release, bottled as Bin 4 and Bin 4A. Only 100-150 cases were produced, sourced entirely from Magill Estate and Morphett Vale.
Historical Significance
The 1952 vintage represents the commercial debut of Penfolds Grange, Australia's most celebrated wine. Winemaker Max Schubert had produced an experimental batch in 1951, and the 1952 vintage followed as a limited commercial release. With only 100-150 cases bottled and priced at under $1 per bottle, few could have anticipated the legacy this wine would establish.
- First commercially released Penfolds Grange vintage
- Released under the labels Bin 4 and Bin 4A
- Max Schubert's 1951 experimental vintage directly preceded this release
- Some half-sized bottles were also produced alongside standard bottles
- First commercially released vintage of Penfolds Grange
- Produced in only 100-150 cases, plus some half-sized bottles
- Released as Bin 4 and Bin 4A
- 100% Shiraz composition
- Sourced from Magill Estate and Morphett Vale in Adelaide
- Sold for less than $1 per bottle at release
- Followed Max Schubert's experimental 1951 trial vintage
Composition and Sources
The 1952 Grange was made entirely from Shiraz, sourced from two Adelaide sites: Magill Estate and Morphett Vale. These vineyards provided the foundation for what would become a defining Australian wine style. The vintage experienced average rainfall and general weather conditions across Australia.
- 100% Shiraz, with no blending varieties
- Fruit sourced from Magill Estate and Morphett Vale, both in Adelaide
- Vintage conditions were average, with normal rainfall
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- 1952 Grange was the first commercially released vintage, following the experimental 1951 trial
- Released as Bin 4 and Bin 4A in only 100-150 cases
- Composition: 100% Shiraz from Magill Estate and Morphett Vale, Adelaide
- Original release price was under $1 per bottle
- Half-sized bottles were also produced as part of this release
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