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Penfolds Grange + St Henri: The Collector's Set
Two of Australia's most enduring red wine expressions, together in one collection. Grange and St Henri represent opposite poles of the Penfolds phi...
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96 Points
This is about as fine as shiraz can get in the Vale, boasting filigreed tannins and such a natural sense of freshness that it whets the palate and makes one hungry at first sip. Northern Rhône-like scents of grilled meats, cloves, lilacs and Damson plums. A gentle cascade across the spicy framework to a long, immensely refined finish. All foudres vats, Austrian and French. Despite the full body, the wine is almost ethereal in the best sense, making for effortless drinking despite the profundity in the glass. This has such delicacy and cooler climatic tension to it that it is truly startling. From biodynamically grown grapes. Drink or hold. Screw cap.
Deep and bright red-purple colour; the bouquet has a patina of meaty reduction at first, then terracotta earthiness, nicely ripe berry and plum aromas with it. The wine is intense and powerful, with a good backing of firm tannins which harmonise well, the finish long and balanced. Good now and has potential for the future.
I love the firmness of this. I love the fruit, the wealth of it. I love how it’s essentially berried but there’s also a kick of salted olives, and that while there are both floral and woodsmoke characters, it’s all tucked in nicely; nothing is excessive or overt; it’s both flavoursome and discreet at once. It’s an excellent McLaren Vale shiraz. Red and black berries, spread, run, dryness, many things.