Penfolds St Henri Shiraz 2013 750ml
St Henri is a time-honoured and alternative expression of Shiraz, and an intriguing counterpoint to Grange. It is unusual among high quality Australian red wines as it does not rely on any new oak.
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, 1,460 litre 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.
When to drink
Now - 2046. Drinking well now, but will improve with time.
Nose
Instantly, a distillation of all that is St Henri. A heightened ethereal/subliminal fruit lift… hovering above, cleverly propelled by just the right amount of formics and V.A.
Black jelly-bean and star anise notes arise, augmented by fig paste, dried herbs and spice – cinnamon and thyme.
With air, scents of freshly-cured corned beef with a carpaccio-like freshness, replete with capers/vinegar/brine..Tasting Notes
Youthful. Structurally expansive – large-framed/amply-dimensioned! St Henri aims to please - pickled beetroot for the vegetarians; gamey venison and the blackened
crust of roast beef for the carnivores.
Wild blackberry and a dark-fruited compote benevolently offer a generosity of fruit sweetness. An almost silky tarriness coupled with mouth-watering acidity create a texturally appealing and integrated mouthfeel. Voluptuous/Voluminous/ Velvety.