Penfolds St. Henri Shiraz 2012

St Henri is a time-honoured and alternative expression of shiraz, and an intriguing counterpoint to Grange. It is unusual amongst high quality Australian red wines as it does not rely on any new oak. 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 distinctive style and quality became better understood. A wine style not succumbed to the dictates of commerce or fashion. St Henri is rich and plush when young, gaining soft, earthy, mocha-like characters with age. Has a whisk of 3% cabernet to accompany the shiraz, the grapes from the Barossa Valley, McLaren Vale, Adelaide Hills, Robe and the Clare Valley. In the manner of all St Henris, matured for 13 months in 50yo oak vats (1460l). This is an exercise on a chequer board of savoury/smoky black fruits with firm, but polished, tannins. A great St Henri that will come into its own in a bare minimum of 10 years, and live long thereafter. – James Halliday Wine Companion, 96 Points The Finer Details Style – Red Wine Varietal – Shiraz Country – Australia Region – McLaren Vale, Barossa Valley, Adelaide Hills, South Australia Vintage – 2012 Bottle Size – 750ml ABV – 14.5%