2022 Penfolds St Henri Shiraz 750ml

Awards, Ratings & Reviews

98/100 — Andrew Caillard MW · 2022 Vintage
“Deep crimson. Intense dark cherry, blackberry, roasted walnut, mocha/ praline, hint wax varnish aromas. Claret-firm at the finish. A classical St Henri. A great follow up to the stellar 2021 vintage. Outstanding. Drink now – 2048. 14.5% alc. 98 Points.”

97/100 — Tyson Stelzer · 2022 Vintage
“There is an immediate allure to St Henri 2022 - there is a harmony and composure to this blend that speak of a temperate season in the Barossa and mild in McLaren Vale, producing moderate crops of natural balance. Firm, fine tannins carry a long and graceful finish. One of the greats. Drink: 2042-2057. 97 Points.”

97/100 — Matthew Jukes · 2022 Vintage
“This is an utterly mesmerising St. Henri. It is complete, thrillingly balanced and sumptuously rewarding. It might be the most immediately enjoyable St. Henri of all time! While we can dive into this pool now, the engine, which purrs away in the core, will keep this wine ticking over for at least three decades. 19/20 Points.”

About This Wine

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 has not 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.

The 2022 is instantly recognisable as St Henri, a classic vintage that delivers in youth but promises to reward patience over the next two to three decades. Richly layered and fruit-forward, plush, and quietly powerful.

Tasting Notes

Colour
Saturated plum reds and violet.

Nose
Instantly, recognisable as St Henri. The absence of new oak is a defining feature, a gentle swirl brings forth a pure expression of Shiraz. A joyous and ethereal fruit lift… First, raspberries, freeze-dried and dusted over coconut sponge. A scoop of wild berry gelato provides another layer of complexity. Closer inspection reveals scents of freshly-roasted coffee beans and cinnamon tea cake. With a little air, savoury notes emerge. Carpaccio-like freshness, replete with marinated olives, peppers, and brine.

Palate
The wine has a real presence, weighty yet buoyant. It has stature and confidence. There is a complex assortment of flavours vying for attention. Hazelnuts, macadamia, white chocolate, and Dutch liquorice are first noted. There is a lovely fruit saturation, reminiscent of Kir Royale cocktail, summer berry pudding, and melted chocolate. The tannins are ripe, fully integrated, and effortlessly anchor the fruit. A classic St Henri that delivers in the full flush of youth but promises so much more for those inclined to cellar this wine for a few decades.

Specifications

• Vintage: 2022
• Grape Variety: 96% Shiraz, 4% Cabernet Sauvignon
• Region: Barossa Valley / McLaren Vale / Padthaway, South Australia, Australia
• Maturation: 14 months in large, seasoned oak vats
• Alcohol: 14.5%
• Acidity TA: 6.8 g/L
• Acidity pH: 3.69
• Drinking Window: Now–2050