St Henri Shiraz 2021
| 99 Points - Ray Jordan |
| 98+ Points - Andrew Caillard MW |
| 98 Points - Nick Ryan, The Australian |
| 97 Points - Dave Brookes, Halliday Wine Companion |
| 97 Points - Erin Larkin, Robert Parker, Wine Advocates |
Andrew Caillard MW
"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."
Tyson Stelzer
"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 slow motion for many decades to come. Exceptional line and length set apart one of the great St Henris of the modern era. 97 points."
Jeni Port
"Deep crimson. A wealth of aromatic aromas unfold, Aussie bush scents, bramble, aniseed amid a flurry of earthy black berries and mulberry with an almost cherry liqueur touch of savouriness. No Clare Valley input this year, it remains a showcase of Barossa Valley and McLaren Vale Shiraz fruit opulence and quiet power. Plush and richly flavoured à la the St. Henri way, seamless, too, reflecting a great year as it opens in concentrated dark plum and blackberry sweet fruits, well spiced in dark chocolate, spearmint and aniseed notes. The usual regime applies, 12 months in large seasoned oak, which connects everything with an easy grace. Chalky firm tannins are noted, something for future ageing. Remains essentially the St. Henri of old which allows classy fruit to shine without too many other distractions. Friendly, yes, but also sophisticated. 95 points."
The 2021 St Henri Shiraz presents its credentials with an aromatic finesse that demands contemplation.
– Steph Dutton, Penfolds Senior Winemaker
Dark, dense, black core and purple around the rim.
With a delicate swirl comes raspberry liquorice entwined with white chocolate. Freshly ground nutmeg and toasted fennel seeds interlace with spiced apple pie. Savoury undertones of artisanal pastrami paired with fresh bagels create a canvas that is both complex and harmonious.
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. Ironstone minerality asserts itself, guiding the palate towards a refined savouriness while instilling a sense of mouthwatering tension within each sip. The tannins are masterfully integrated; they are tightly knit yet exude a velvety texture that promises to soften beautifully over time. Careful cellaring will be rewarded.
Vintage Conditions
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.
| GRAPE VARIETY
97% Shiraz, 3% Cabernet Sauvignon
|
97% Shiraz, 3% Cabernet Sauvignon |
|---|---|
| VINEYARD REGION
Barossa Valley, McLaren Vale
|
Barossa Valley, McLaren Vale |
| wine analysis
Alc/Vol: 14.5%, pH: 3.7, Acidity: 6.7g/L
|
Alc/Vol: 14.5%, pH: 3.7, Acidity: 6.7g/L |
| MATURATION
12 months in large seasoned oak vats
|
12 months in large seasoned oak vats |
The 2024 Collection
Grounded in experimentation, curiosity, and uncompromising quality since 1844, Penfolds celebrates 180 years of winemaking excellence with the release of the 2024 Collection. Reaching the far corners of some of the most revered winemaking regions around the world, the Penfolds Collection spans four countries with wines made from exceptional vineyards across Australia, USA, France, and China. All underpinned by the enduring Penfolds House Style.
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