Penfolds St Henri Shiraz 2006

St Henri is a time-honoured and alternative expression of Shiraz, and an intriguing counterpoint to Grange. It is unusual among 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 as it ages. It is matured in old, large oak vats that allow the wine to develop, imparting minimal, if any oak character. Although a small proportion of cabernet is sometimes used to improve structure, the focal point for St Henri remains shiraz.

The 2006 vintage saw good budburst and fruit set, followed by favourable growing conditions. January was hot while February was cooler, providing even ripening which was excellent for flavour and colour development. Warm, dry conditions prevailed during the harvest period. The grapes were picked at optimum maturity having excellent varietal flavour and fine tannin structure, Shiraz (89%), Cabernet Sauvignon (11%). Peak drinking 2014 to 2032.

"Strong purple-crimson; has the focus, intensity and class expected of the '06 vintage; blackberry, blackcurrant and savoury spices are supported and complexed by firm, ripe tannins on the medium- to full-bodied, long palate. Shiraz. James Halliday 96 Points"