Priced at about $550, the 2003 vintage of Australia's most famous wine is a blend of 96.5 per cent shiraz and 3.5 per cent cabernet sauvignon, described by Penfolds' chief winemaker Peter Gago as "solid and stoic".
"In hard times like this, people turn away from gold and buy wine," Mr Gago said.
"You can always rely on Grange."
Demand consistently outstrips annual production of 7000 to 9000 cases, ensuring a brisk trade among collectors.
Mr Gago said there was already talk among wine cognoscente that the 2004 vintage would rival the great 1990 vintage that catapulted Grange to international stardom after being named the greatest red in the world by influential US wine critic Robert Parker.
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