Penfolds St. Henri Shiraz 2021

Product Information: Penfold’s senior winemaker Steph Dutton says, “the 2021 St Henri Shiraz presents its credentials with an aromatic finesse that demands contemplation.” It’s the thinking person’s Shiraz. There’s never a lick of new oak in the Penfolds St Henri Shiraz. With just a delicate swirl, aromas emerge with wafts of raspberry liquorice entwined with white chocolate. Freshly ground nutmeg and toasted fennel seeds interlace with spiced apple pie. The 2021 release is grown only in the premium regions of McLaren Vale and the Barossa Valley consisting of 97% Shiraz, 3% Cabernet Sauvignon for for 12 months in large old oak vats. Showcasing the fruit and spice rather than oak. 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 quality and distinctive style became better understood. Proudly, a wine style that hasn’t succumbed to the dictates of fashion or commerce. St Henri is rich and plush when young, gaining soft, earthy, mocha-like characters with age. It is matured in an assortment of old large vats that allow the wine to develop, imparting minimal, if any oak character. Although a small proportion of cabernet may sneak into the blend, the focal point for St Henri remains shiraz. Maker: Penfolds has been a pioneer in the world of winemaking since its establishment in 1844 by Dr. Christopher and Mary Penfold. The company’s success has been driven by a lineage of visionary winemakers who have pushed the development of the company to extraordinary, bold new heights. Mary Penfold’s reign at the helm of Penfolds saw years of determination and endeavour, experimenting with new methods in wine production. In 1948, Max Schubert became the company’s first Chief Winemaker and he propelled Penfolds onto the global stage with his experimentation of long-lasting wines – the creation of Penfolds Grange in the 1950s. Soon, the medals began flowing, and Grange quickly became one of the most revered wines around the world. In 2012, Penfolds released its most innovative project to date – 12 handcrafted ampoules of the rare 2004 Kalimna Block Cabernet Sauvignon. Today, Penfolds continues to hold dear the philosophies and legends that have driven the company’s success since its establishment in 1844. Vineyard: Barossa Valley winter rainfall was 20% shy of the long-term average, with a particularly arid July. An unexpectedly wet August replenished soil moisture just in time for the growing season. Spring months gifted us with temperatures slightly above average, creating superb conditions for budburst and flowering. Summer heat was present but not punishing, with 21 days recording temperatures above 35°C. Despite early February showers, La Niña’s anticipated effects were largely absent, allowing for a smooth and methodical harvest period in which the Shiraz grapes showcased their distinctive character. In McLaren Vale, the vines enjoyed a temperate year as well. Following a dry July, spring rains arrived to balance out conditions leading up to budburst and flowering—a period blessed with warmth. The summer heat was even more forgiving here than it was in Barossa Valley; only nine days saw mercury rising above 35°C. January held close to average temperatures while February and March were marked by particularly mild weather. This led to a later veraison and thus extended ripening that pushed harvest into March. Nose – Fragrant herbs, Blue and Blackberries, Vanilla Bean Expressive fruits. Plums, raspberries and soy, fragrant herbs and some vanilla cream. Palate – Raspberry, Pomegranate, Custard Tarts A duo of wild cherry and pomegranate fruits accompanied by hints of golden custard tarts and toasted sourdough, imparting additional layers of complexity and allure. Finish – Bright Acidity, Anise, Dark Chocolate Ironstone minerality asserts itself, guiding the palate towards a refined savouriness while instilling a sense of mouth-watering tension within each sip. 2021 St Henri Shiraz is a wonderful vintage; arguably one of the best. The superb ethereal juxtaposition of fruit and tannin bring an extra complexity and interest. This could well be compared to the glorious 2010 vintage in terms of its cellaring potential. – Andrew Caillard MW, 98+ Points. The magnificent, cool 2021 season plays to the natural, effortless elegance of St Henri. Blueberry and blackberry fruit are the eloquent themes, uniting supple expression with the fine-boned confidence of cool nights. The result plays fine-grained tannins impeccably amidst bright acidity, serving to set a style set to evolve in