Shiraz St Henri, Penfolds 2012

The 2012 Shiraz St Henri is very impressive with its elegant, sophisticated and well-crafted expression of this superb vintage. As always, there is no new oak employed here, simply 50+ year old large oak vats. This vintage has a dollop (3%) Cabernet Sauvignon, contributing a lovely cassis lift to the heady perfume. Deep garnet-purple colored, it displays a gorgeous nose of commendable purity and intensity with notes of red and blackcurrants, freshly crushed blackberries, menthol, cinnamon stick, bacon fat and cloves. Rich and already expressive on the palate, it is nonetheless built for the long haul with firm, ripe and grainy tannins carrying the fruit to a long and layered finish. This should be a long-lived St Henri that should cellar gracefully for at least 2 decades.

Deep ruby colour in the glass. This has a brooding black fruit nose that unfurls with swirling in the glass to reveal ripe black cherry and blackberry with hints of nutmeg and tobacco. The palate is ripe and smooth but balanced by grippy tannins and balancing acidity. Ripe blackberry and black cherry are lifted by floral notes and hints of tobacco and savoury spices and a hint of olive. Beautifully balanced, but still powerful and long. The finish shows superb purity of fruit and real potential for ageing. An absolutely delicious wine and a standout from the range tasted.