Penfolds St Henri Shiraz 2018
Penfold's St Henri is a time-honoured and alternative expression of Shiraz, and an intriguing counterpoint to the iconic Grange. It is unusual among high quality Australian red wines as it does not rely on any new oak. Released for the first time by Penfolds in the early 1950s (first commercial vintage 1957), it gained a new lease of life in the 1990s as its quality and distinctive style became better understood. Proudly, a wine style that hasn’t succumbed to the dictates of fashion or commerce. St Henri is rich and plush when young, gaining soft, earthy, mocha-like characters as it ages. It is matured in old, large oak vats that allow the wine to develop, imparting minimal, if any oak character. Although a small proportion of cabernet is sometimes used to improve structure, the focal point for St Henri remains Shiraz. Its nose is endearingly captivating, enticing and intriguing. Fruits propelled from glass – black cherry, mulberry, blackcurrant, boysenberry … and more. There is a subliminal waft of star anise and savoury spices (not sweet) that hover above. With air a perfumed zabaglione, crème anglaise / eggnog ‘creaminess’ also ascends. Red and dark-fruited, a compote of fresh prune and quince. 2016 + tempered shiraz + House Style + Penfolds = an assured St Henri collectable.
