Size & Type
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Shiraz/Syrah from McLaren Vale, Barossa, South Australia, Australia
$200
Often referred to as the poor man’s Grange, I’d prefer to call it the smart man’s Grange! In the last couple of years I’ve devoured the 1969, 1971, 1974, 1975 and most recently an exceptional bottle of 1976. Whilst the hyperbole around the wine is a bit of a distraction, the 2010 did get multiple perfect scores, they’re well worth a squizz!
The 1972, devoured with the Outlaws, was enough to get me the seal of approval to marry my most beloved wife! They were thirsty too …
Out of stock
Made from 100% Shiraz. Its fruit is multi-regional and hails from mainly the Barossa Valley and McLaren Vale. Smaller portions of fruit come from Coonawarra, Adelaide Hills, Wrattonbully, and, the Clare Valley. Cross region blending is part of Australia’s wine history and although, the focus has shifted to terroir and single vineyards in recent times, many of these blends can be classified amongst the great wines of the world.
As with all vintages of St Henri, its features are so striking, that they need no enhancement or highlighting with new oak – something that is rare amongst high quality Australian red wines. Instead, the fruit-driven Shiraz is propelled by skin and seed tannins alone and matured for 18 months in old, 1460 litre oak vats. Whilst maturation in large old oak allows an alternative textural experience, it certainly doesn’t compromise longevity or stature.
First created in the 1950s, the inaugural commercial vintage was crafted in 1957 under the guidance of legendary Penfolds winemaker John Davoren, whose objective was to make ‘a genuine claret style’ wine that could be compared favourably with the greatest grand cru classé wines of Bordeaux. The development in the 1950s of Grange by Max Schubert and St Henri by John Davoren heralded a time of immense innovation at Penfolds. The success of Grange was very much enhanced by the contrasting St Henri style, and the two wines began life together in a climate of intense excitement, experimentation and research. Both were regarded as classic Penfolds wines and distinguished Australian reds within a decade of first release.
Although St Henri is now a Shiraz-dominant blend, the first trials were centred on Cabernet Sauvignon, Mataro and later Shiraz. By the 1970s St Henri was predominantly a Shiraz-Cabernet blend. The first vintages were reportedly foot-stomped in open-ended hogsheads, with a relatively high percentage of stalks retained in the vinification.
A consistent theme across South Australia was the healthy and above-average winter rainfall. This not only fuelled strong canopy framework but resulted in welcomed soil water reserves, safeguarding vines across the months that followed. Unswerving from the trend of the 2000s was an earlier budburst, flowering and harvest across Barossa Valley, McLaren Vale and the south east. Whilst not without challenges from September hail and strong spring winds, Shiraz experienced relatively even set. A November hot spell and replenishing rain pushed the vines ahead in maturity. December temperatures were cooler than November, offering vines ideal growing conditions through to veraison in early January. Mild and dry ripening conditions were complimented by cool nights, with healthy vines yielding fruit that exhibited optimum flavour, and colour development, varietal typicity and vibrancy
2010 St Henri is the big story of these 2014 Penfolds releases. It’s sourced from the Barossa, McLaren Vale, Coonawarra, Adelaide Hills, Wrattonbully and Clare Valley. This release is 100% shiraz. It spent 12 months in large, old vats.
St Henri is the one Penfolds super premium we all should be following. This 2010 release is the best since the 2004. In short, it’s gorgeous. I’m tempted to use the words Beg, Borrow or Steal. Nose, palate, tannin, finish; all are in full, healthy voice. Licorice, leather, plum, clove. Fine-grained tannin. Juicy orange-peel notes. Well stored, under screwcap, it will live for just about ever.
Where in the world does the magic happen?
Penfolds Magill Estate Winery
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