Penfolds St. Henri Shiraz 2001

Penfolds has a rich history dating back to 1844 when Dr. Christopher and Mary Penfold arrived in Australia with a vine cutting and a bold vision. They purchased 500 acres of land in South Australia and began producing tonics, brandies, and fortified wines made from grapes and Australian sunshine. Christopher's planting of vines and his philosophies continue to influence Penfolds to this day. Mary Penfold, the unsung chief of Penfolds, played a significant role in the winery's experimentations, growth and winemaking philosophies. Max Schubert became the company's first Chief Winemaker in 1948 and created the long-lasting Penfolds Grange in the 1950s. The tradition of 'bin wines' began in 1959 with Kalimna Bin 28 becoming the first official Penfolds Bin number wine. Penfolds continues to innovate, with the release of the rare 2004 Kalimna Block Cabernet Sauvignon in 2012 and the 170th anniversary celebration in 2014. Today, Penfolds remains one of Australia's most famed and respected winemakers, driven by generations of visionaries and innovators who strive for excellence in winemaking.

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.

Penfolds St. Henri Shiraz 2001 has an excellent depth of colour with bright crimson hues. The nose is lifted and complex, aromas of spice, raspberry and blackberry fruits, develop characters of praline, anise and mocha with a swirl of the glass.
Notes of quince paste, meat jus, black olive and background tarriness promote an intriguing complex style. On the palate A full bodied offering with a generous mid palate and formidable weight for the style of wine. Tight with rounded, integrated, yet obvious tannins, primary flavours of black fruits, blackberry conserve and dark plum.

The Finer Details
Style - Red Wine
Varietal - Shiraz 
Country - Australia
Region - Adelaide Hills, McLaren Vale, Clare Valley, Coonawarra, Magill Estate
Vintage - 2001 
Bottle Size - 750ml
ABV - 14.5%