Penfolds - Australie Méridionale St Henri Shiraz 2021

Decanter

About the wine:

Like a wise old friend, St. Henri never seems rushed or unnecessarily exaggerated, with its rounded notes of lush Shiraz fruit—celebrated but not overly amplified by 12 months of aging in large, old oak barrels. Since its first vintage in 1957, this winning formula has produced a truly integrated palate, whose soft tannins ensure a smooth finish. Fruits from the Barossa and McLaren Vale regions bring both generosity in the rich flavors of cherry and ripe red plum, as well as a meaty texture, while maintaining the length and dynamism of a long, consistent palate, spiced with salty notes and minerality. 2024–2045

Robert Parker - Wine Advocate

About the wine:

I recently tasted a vertical tasting of St. Henri wines ranging from 1958 to 2021, and right behind the 1962 and 2010 vintages, the 2021 ranks among the five best St. Henri wines ever produced. The 2021 St Henri Shiraz is succulent and balanced; it is fresh and not weighed down by heavy oak notes, thanks to the use of large-format, seasoned oak barrels and the blessings of the vintage. The wine’s tannic density and body come from the fruit rather than the barrel, which will ensure its stability for decades to come. This wine comes from the Barossa Valley and McLaren Vale. 2021 was a fine season in South Australia; the start of the season was rainy beginning in August, which helped replenish the parched soil after the last three drought-stricken vintages. The season was long and hot, but rarely—if ever—with well-timed rains that allowed most producers to avoid harvest pressure. That said, I found many red wines from the 2021 vintage to be quite ripe—it seems to me that many 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 the wine:

This vintage of St. Henri is alluring 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 complemented 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 the 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-bodied palate featuring a solid core of fruit and fine tannins that coat the entire mouth. Extremely well-crafted overall and easy to drink young. Drink now or cellar.

Tastingbook - Markus Del Monego

Falstaff

About the wine:

An intense fruity nose, with notes of plum and dark berries, complemented by savory hints of licorice and dried fruit. The palate is equally intense, with rich, almost sweet berry notes and a very long, juicy finish. A wine that pairs well with food and tastes surprisingly good when young, but will continue to age gracefully for many years.