The Penfolds St Henri Shiraz is a favourite among collectors with its proven style, elegant profile and aging potential.

It is unusual amongst high quality Australian red wines as it does not rely on any new oak.

In the 2020 release, Penfolds St Henri Shiraz explores a sweet and savoury palate – fresh blueberry, exotic spice and olive brine.

A classic St Henri.

The fruit profile is a delight, oak playing no role in the aromatics. Shiraz, unadulterated! The descriptors need to be coaxed from the glass with a gentle swirl. Fruits of the forest are first to emerge, berry conserve, strawberry flan and rhubarb tart. There is a hit of confectionary, reminiscent of red glace cherries. Savoury notes include German Blutwurst spiced sausage, pan scrapings from roast lamb and salt cured beef with black peppercorns. Ferric notes of iron filings and whetstone swarf round out an impressive showing.

True to form, the palate is quite savoury. Japanese nori paper and olive brine offer a very morish umami nuance. Fresh blueberry and mulberry leaf anchor the core of the mid-palate. Exotic spices adding intrigue, Alleppey turmeric, toasted cumin, pimento.  The tannins are very tactile, comparable to Dutch cocoa. A classic St Henri that will reward extended time in the cellar.

Vintage Notes:

The 2019 calendar year was the driest on record in the Barossa Valley, while the Clare Valley had the driest winter in 120 years. Clare Valley and Barossa Valley experienced frosts in September that also reduced yields. October was windy in Clare Valley which challenged fruit-set. The beginning of summer was marked by a state-wide heatwave. Cooler conditions in January and February provided some much welcome relief. McLaren Vale had above average rainfall in February, which ensured the vines were able to finish the remainder of the season in good shape. Bunch weights and berry numbers were low across the three regions with yields significantly below average. As is often the case, adversity and low yields can produce outstanding quality, and 2020 was no exception.