A very great Grange, the mild and relatively dry growing season lead to a very successful vintage. This was the final release crafted by Max Schubert's successor Don Ditter.

Don Ditter, an early graduate of Roseworthy Agricultural College who joined Penfolds as a laboratory assistant in 1946, was appointed by Max Schubert as his successor in 1973. A time of considerable technical advances in winemaking the 1976, and the very great 1986 Grange, Don Ditter's last vintage before retirement, epitomize this remarkable period. 87% Shiraz, 13% Cabernet Sauvignon sourced from the Kalimna and other Barossa vineyards, Clare Valley, McLaren Vale and Modbury near Adelaide. Matured in new American oak hogsheads for twenty months. Alcohol 13.90% Acidity 7.10g/L pH 3.41