This 2007 St Henri Shiraz is made using grapes grown in so many different wine regions that there are almost too many to mention, but (deep breath) here goes: Robe, McLaren Vale, Langhorne Creek, Padthaway, Barossa Valley, Coonawarra and the Adelaide Hills. The wine was matured for 12 months in 50-year-old seasoned wine vats. It’s 100 percent shiraz this year, too.
I always say it: St Henri can be such a difficult wine to rate as a youngster. I recall not liking the 1999 on release; in time it made a fool of me. This release feels loose-knit and stewy. It seems like the result of a difficult year. That said, it smells beautifully of violets, plums, blueberries and spice. Its perfume is rather enchanting. What impresses most about this wine though is its length; it swirls out through the finish, trailing big ribbons of tannin. It’s medium-weight at most, but that finish gets me over the line. Yes, once again, I think this St Henri has a significant future ahead of it. Though it’s only the wine’s persistence, and its enchanting aromatics, that make me think it – those stewy elements are less endearing. Drink : 2015 - 2022 92+ POINTS Campbell Mattinson, The Wine Front
A lesser St Henri, from a challenging, fast-ripening year. 100% shiraz, with Robe leading the blend, then McLaren Vale, Langhorne Creek, Padthaway, Barossa Valley, Coonawarra and Adelaide Hills. A fragrance of violets carries through the bouquet and palate, with nuances of pepper and blueberries. Stewy fruit notes, candied strawberries and a dryness to the finish detract, but texture, fruit focus and persistence save the day. Drink 2017-2022 92 POINTS Tyson Stelzer
Penfolds St. Henri is a counterpoint to Penfolds Grange. St. Henri is a highly successful, alternative expression of Shiraz. It is unusual among high quality Australian red wines as it does not rely on new oak. It was created in the mid-1950s (first commercial vintage 1957) and gained a new lease of life in the 1990s as its quality and distinctive style became better understood.
Penfolds St. Henri is rich and plush when young and gains soft, earthy, mocha-like characters as it ages. It is matured in old, 1460-litre vats that allow the wine to develop, but imparting no oak character. The focal point for St. Henri is shiraz.
