Penfolds - Australie Méridionale St Henri Shiraz 2021

Decanter

About wine:

Like a wise old friend, St Henri never seems rushed or unnecessarily exaggerated, with its rounded tones of lush Shiraz fruit celebrated but not overly amplified by 12 months of aging in large old oak vats. Since its first vintage in 1957, this winning formula has produced a truly integrated palate, with soft tannins ensuring a calm finish. The fruits of Barossa and McLaren Vale bring both generosity in the rich flavors of cherry and ripe red plum, as well as a fleshy chew, while maintaining the length and dynamism of a long and consistent palate, spiced with salty tones and minerality. 2024-2045

Robert Parker - Wine Advocate

About wine:

I recently tasted a vertical of St Henri wines from 1958 to 2021, and just behind the 1962 and 2010, the 2021 is one of the five best St Henri wines ever produced. The 2021 St Henri Shiraz is succulent and balanced, fresh and unencumbered by heavy oak characteristics, thanks to the use of large, seasoned oak barrels and the blessing of the season. The tannic density and weight of the wine come from the fruit rather than the container, which will ensure great stability for decades to come. This wine comes from the Barossa Valley and McLaren Vale. 2021 was a great season in South Australia; the early season was rainy starting in August, which helped replenish the dry soil after the last three drought vintages. The season was long and hot, but rarely, if ever, with well-timed rains that allowed most growers to avoid vine stress. That said, I found many of the 2021 vintage red wines to be very ripe—it seems that many people had the opportunity to leave the fruit on the vine, and many did. This wine seems to buck that trend. Excellent. 14.5% alcohol, natural cork. 2024-2046

Wine Enthusiast

About wine:

This vintage of St. Henri is seductive and utterly charming. Unlike many wines in the Penfolds range, this wine has never been aged in new oak barrels. Raspberry and blood plum are supported by sweet herbs, milk chocolate, and a hint of hoisin. It is velvety and opulent without being overly heavy or muscular. It is delicious now and will continue to be so for many years to come.

James Suckling

About wine:

Aromas of blackberry and dark chocolate with hints of toasted nuts, oak, and graphite give this wine a very appealing character that carries through to a medium body with a solid core of fruit and fine tannins that spread across the palate. Extremely well-crafted overall and easy to drink young. Drink now or hold.

Tastingbook - Markus Del Monego

Falstaff

About wine:

Intense fruit nose, with notes of plum and dark berries, complemented by savory nuances of licorice and dried fruit. The palate is equally intense, with notes of intense, almost sweet berries and a very long, juicy finish. A food wine that tastes surprisingly good when young, but will mature for many years.