Penfolds St Henri Shiraz 2018- one of the best I have tasted!
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 have been fortunate to have tasted 20 plus vintages and it’s like sitting down with an old friend you have not 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 while being elegant and restrained with incredible balance. I initially decanted this for 5 hours, and it 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.
The nose is most definitely seductive and complex, with ripe blackberries, pencil shavings, and plums, along with a smattering of red and blue fruits and earthy notes in a supporting role.
The palate has a creamy, smooth mouthfeel, graceful, and immediate appeal. Layers of rich, ripe blackberries, raspberries, plums, and dark cherries dominate, with dark chocolate, sweet spices, tobacco, subtle black pepper, and leather rounding things out. As you would expect, the finish is very long.
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 