There are few things I look forward to more than a release of the new vintage of St Henri- one of my all-time favorite wines and most definitely my favorite Penfolds wine. I’ve been fortunate to have tasted 20 plus vintages and its like sitting down with an old friend you haven’t seen for a while- it’s always a pleasure.
Like most Penfolds wines, this is a multi-regional blend, of 100% Shiraz, sourced from Barossa, McLaren Vale, Port Lincoln, Robe, Padthaway, Clare Valley and Adelaide Hills grapes drawing characteristics from every vineyard and region. The boldness of Barossa, the elegance of McLaren Vale and Clare Valley and a hint of individual quirkiness from each of the other regions.
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. Source: www.penfolds.com
A wine so totally individual and unaffected by trends, it is unashamedly confident in its character. This is a big bold wine with a ton of character whilst being elegant and restrained with incredible balance. I initially decanted this for 5 hours and was amazing, revealing its further potential as it unwound. I then left it for a further 24 hours with just the cork in, no air removed at all for further aeration with spectacular results.
Nose is most definitely seductive, complex, with ripe blackberries, pencil shavings and plum with a smattering of red and blue fruits with earthy notes in a supporting role.
Palate has a creamy smooth mouthfeel, graceful, with immediate appeal with layers of rich ripe blackberries, raspberries, plum and dark cherries dominating with dark chocolate, sweet spices, tobacco, with subtle black pepper and leather rounding things out. Very long finish as you would expect.
Pair with something special, a red meat dish with roasted vegetables and Italian herbs.
This is drinking well now, with some serious decant time but cellaring out will bring immense rewards- 35 years and beyond.
Vine to Table 