Region: South Australia
Varieties: 74% Shiraz, 26% Cabernet Sauvignon
Country: Australia
Vintage: 1976
Provenance: Recorked by Penfolds in 1996; excellent provenance and high fill levels
The Wine
St Henri is one of Australia’s most distinctive and enduring fine wines. Conceived as an alternative expression to Grange, it places the emphasis on mature Shiraz fruit rather than new oak, traditionally ageing in large, seasoned 1,460-litre vats that impart little overt wood character.
The 1976 is a significant mature release composed of 74% Shiraz and 26% Cabernet Sauvignon. Penfolds’ retrospective tasting describes a deep brick-crimson wine with intense panforte, dark chocolate, dried raisin, liquorice and leafy complexity. The palate combines concentrated sweet fruit with roasted walnut, spice, fine mature tannins and a long, savoury finish.
These bottles were recorked through Penfolds in 1996 and retain high fill levels. Penfolds’ clinic process involves assessing the wine before renewing its closure and applying certification, providing an important additional marker of provenance for collectors of mature Australian wine.
Cellared Says
A rare opportunity to drink mature Australian wine history with unusually strong provenance. St Henri’s lack of new oak allows the savoury, earthy and mocha-like characters of bottle age to remain central, while the significant Cabernet component gives the 1976 additional shape and longevity.
This is fully mature and should be opened rather than held indefinitely. Stand upright for at least 24 hours, extract the cork carefully and pour gently from sediment. Avoid extended decanting until the wine’s condition has been assessed. As with any wine approaching 50 years of age, bottle variation remains possible.
Reviews
“Well-concentrated panforte, chocolatey, roasted walnut, spicy flavours, plenty of sweet fruit notes and fine, slightly drying tannins.”
Unscored — Andrew Caillard MW, Penfolds Rewards of Patience
“Finishes chalky firm, long and savoury. A great Penfolds vintage.”
Unscored — Andrew Caillard MW, Penfolds Rewards of Patience
Region: South Australia
Varieties: 74% Shiraz, 26% Cabernet Sauvignon
Country: Australia
Vintage: 1976
Provenance: Recorked by Penfolds in 1996; excellent provenance and high fill levels
The Wine
St Henri is one of Australia’s most distinctive and enduring fine wines. Conceived as an alternative expression to Grange, it places the emphasis on mature Shiraz fruit rather than new oak, traditionally ageing in large, seasoned 1,460-litre vats that impart little overt wood character.
The 1976 is a significant mature release composed of 74% Shiraz and 26% Cabernet Sauvignon. Penfolds’ retrospective tasting describes a deep brick-crimson wine with intense panforte, dark chocolate, dried raisin, liquorice and leafy complexity. The palate combines concentrated sweet fruit with roasted walnut, spice, fine mature tannins and a long, savoury finish.
These bottles were recorked through Penfolds in 1996 and retain high fill levels. Penfolds’ clinic process involves assessing the wine before renewing its closure and applying certification, providing an important additional marker of provenance for collectors of mature Australian wine.
Cellared Says
A rare opportunity to drink mature Australian wine history with unusually strong provenance. St Henri’s lack of new oak allows the savoury, earthy and mocha-like characters of bottle age to remain central, while the significant Cabernet component gives the 1976 additional shape and longevity.
This is fully mature and should be opened rather than held indefinitely. Stand upright for at least 24 hours, extract the cork carefully and pour gently from sediment. Avoid extended decanting until the wine’s condition has been assessed. As with any wine approaching 50 years of age, bottle variation remains possible.
Reviews
“Well-concentrated panforte, chocolatey, roasted walnut, spicy flavours, plenty of sweet fruit notes and fine, slightly drying tannins.”
Unscored — Andrew Caillard MW, Penfolds Rewards of Patience
“Finishes chalky firm, long and savoury. A great Penfolds vintage.”
Unscored — Andrew Caillard MW, Penfolds Rewards of Patience
Image 1 of 1
