Savvy wine buys: 2001 Penfold’s Rawson’s Retreat

Wednesday, June 12, 2002 | 8:27 a.m.

Penfold's, founded in 1844, is one of Australia's oldest and most prestigious wineries. Its most celebrated label, Grange Hermitage, is one of only a handful of wines ever to have been rated 100 by influential wine critic Robert Parker. Some wines from Penfold's are astronomical in price, but this wine, a 60/40 blend of Shiraz (the Australian name for Syrah) and Cabernet Sauvignon, has a low price and a big flavor. It's a ripe, intense wine that is a good match for red meat or cheese, still a bit tannic, and not yet at its peak. At this price, you can afford to lay some down.

Available at Trader Joe's Markets, $5.99.

-- Max Jacobson

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