Region: South Australia
Sub Region: Multi-regional
Varieties: 93% Shiraz, 7% Cabernet Sauvignon
Country: Australia
Vintage: 2015
Style: Full-bodied, cellar-aged red
The Wine
St Henri occupies a distinctive place within Penfolds. First commercially released with the 1957 vintage, it builds its character around the depth and texture of Shiraz matured in large, seasoned oak vats. These vessels allow the wine to develop slowly while contributing very little oak flavour, preserving the fruit, savoury detail and supple tannins that define the style.
The 2015 combines parcels from McLaren Vale, Robe, the Peninsulas, Barossa Valley, Wrattonbully, Adelaide Hills and Mount Benson. Shiraz accounts for 93% of the blend, with Cabernet Sauvignon adding definition and structure. Maturation was for 12 months in large oak vats more than 50 years old.
A dry growing season brought reduced yields and an early harvest, delivering concentrated fruit with the structure for extended ageing. Blackberry, boysenberry and plum form the core, accompanied by liquorice, anise, dark chocolate and roasted meat nuances. Fine tannins give the wine its characteristic smoothness, while acidity maintains freshness through the finish.
Bottle development brings another dimension to St Henri, allowing its earthy, herbal and savoury qualities to emerge around the fruit. The 2015 has the substance and balance to make that evolution particularly rewarding.
Cellared Says
St Henri is a wine I’d readily recommend to someone building a collection of classic Australian reds. I’m drawn to the way it develops: the fruit gradually becomes more complex, and the texture grows increasingly compelling.
The 2015 deserves an unhurried evening. I’d open a bottle now to follow its progress, while keeping others for the years ahead. For well-stored bottles, a drinking horizon into the late 2030s remains entirely reasonable.
Reviews
“Superbly structured, juicily vibrant, sweet and balanced, this is tempting to broach now.”
96 Points — John Stimpfig, Decanter
“A lovely soft, rounded, fleshy shiraz…”
96 Points — Huon Hooke, The Real Review
Region: South Australia
Sub Region: Multi-regional
Varieties: 93% Shiraz, 7% Cabernet Sauvignon
Country: Australia
Vintage: 2015
Style: Full-bodied, cellar-aged red
The Wine
St Henri occupies a distinctive place within Penfolds. First commercially released with the 1957 vintage, it builds its character around the depth and texture of Shiraz matured in large, seasoned oak vats. These vessels allow the wine to develop slowly while contributing very little oak flavour, preserving the fruit, savoury detail and supple tannins that define the style.
The 2015 combines parcels from McLaren Vale, Robe, the Peninsulas, Barossa Valley, Wrattonbully, Adelaide Hills and Mount Benson. Shiraz accounts for 93% of the blend, with Cabernet Sauvignon adding definition and structure. Maturation was for 12 months in large oak vats more than 50 years old.
A dry growing season brought reduced yields and an early harvest, delivering concentrated fruit with the structure for extended ageing. Blackberry, boysenberry and plum form the core, accompanied by liquorice, anise, dark chocolate and roasted meat nuances. Fine tannins give the wine its characteristic smoothness, while acidity maintains freshness through the finish.
Bottle development brings another dimension to St Henri, allowing its earthy, herbal and savoury qualities to emerge around the fruit. The 2015 has the substance and balance to make that evolution particularly rewarding.
Cellared Says
St Henri is a wine I’d readily recommend to someone building a collection of classic Australian reds. I’m drawn to the way it develops: the fruit gradually becomes more complex, and the texture grows increasingly compelling.
The 2015 deserves an unhurried evening. I’d open a bottle now to follow its progress, while keeping others for the years ahead. For well-stored bottles, a drinking horizon into the late 2030s remains entirely reasonable.
Reviews
“Superbly structured, juicily vibrant, sweet and balanced, this is tempting to broach now.”
96 Points — John Stimpfig, Decanter
“A lovely soft, rounded, fleshy shiraz…”
96 Points — Huon Hooke, The Real Review
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