Penfolds St Henri Shiraz 2021

Penfolds St Henri Shiraz 2021: A Time-Honoured Expression of Australian Elegance

Discover the Penfolds St Henri Shiraz 2021, a distinguished and alternative expression of Australian Shiraz that stands as an intriguing counterpoint to the iconic Grange. This time-honoured wine is celebrated for its unique maturation process, eschewing new oak to allow the purity and inherent qualities of the Shiraz grape to take centre stage. The 2021 vintage, as Penfolds Senior Winemaker Steph Dutton notes, "presents its credentials with an aromatic finesse that demands contemplation."

Penfolds, a winery with an illustrious history stretching back to 1844, has consistently demonstrated a profound understanding of Australian terroir and the noble Shiraz grape. St Henri’s story began in the early 1950s, with its first commercial vintage released in 1957. After a period of quietude, it experienced a resurgence in the 1990s as its exceptional quality and distinctive style became more widely understood and appreciated. Proudly, St Henri is a wine style that hasn’t succumbed to the dictates of fleeting fashion or commerce. It is known for being rich and plush when young, developing wonderfully soft, earthy, and mocha-like characters as it matures. The key to its unique profile lies in its maturation in an assortment of old, large oak vats, which impart minimal, if any, oak character, allowing the fruit to express itself with clarity and depth. While predominantly Shiraz (97% in this 2021 vintage), a small proportion of Cabernet Sauvignon (3%) may be included to enhance structure and complexity.

The 2021 vintage in South Australia provided excellent conditions for crafting this remarkable St Henri. In the Barossa Valley, after a drier start to winter, timely August rains replenished soil moisture. A slightly warmer spring led to superb conditions for budburst and flowering. Summer heat was present but not excessive, allowing for a smooth harvest where the Shiraz grapes showcased their distinctive character. McLaren Vale also enjoyed a temperate year. Spring rains balanced earlier dry conditions, and a warm flowering period was followed by a notably mild summer and early autumn. This extended ripening into March, fostering grapes with well-developed colours and flavours.

Tasting Notes: A Symphony of Aroma and Texture

The Penfolds St Henri Shiraz 2021 is a wine of considerable depth and sophisticated charm.

• Colour: The wine presents an impressively dark, dense, black core with a vibrant purple hue around the rim, indicating its concentration and youthful vitality.
• Nose: With a delicate swirl of the glass, an intricate aromatic profile unfolds. Notes of raspberry liquorice are beautifully entwined with the creamy suggestion of white chocolate. Layers of freshly ground nutmeg and toasted fennel seeds interlace with the comforting scent of spiced apple pie. Beneath these initial impressions, savoury undertones emerge, reminiscent of artisanal pastrami paired with fresh bagels, creating a canvas that is both complex and wonderfully harmonious.
• Palate: The palate delivers a captivating duo of wild cherry and vibrant pomegranate fruits. These are gracefully accompanied by hints of golden custard tarts and the subtle savoury note of toasted sourdough, imparting additional layers of complexity and allure. A distinct ironstone minerality asserts itself, guiding the palate towards a refined savouriness while instilling a sense of mouthwatering tension within each sip. The tannins are masterfully integrated; they are tightly knit yet exude a velvety texture that promises to soften beautifully over extended cellaring. This is a wine that will undoubtedly reward careful cellaring, with a peak drinking window extending from now until 2045.

Vinification Details:

• Grape Variety: 97% Shiraz, 3% Cabernet Sauvignon
• Vineyard Region: Barossa Valley, McLaren Vale
• Maturation: 12 months in large seasoned oak vats
• Wine Analysis: Alc/Vol: 14.5%, pH: 3.7, Acidity: 6.7g/L
• Closure: Screw Cap

Serving Suggestions for Optimal Enjoyment

To fully appreciate the nuanced character of the Penfolds St Henri Shiraz 2021, serving it at a temperature between 16-18°C (60-64°F) is recommended. While approachable in its youth, decanting for approximately an hour before serving will allow the wine to breathe and its complex aromatics to open more fully. Use generously sized glasses that allow for swirling and appreciation of the wine's engaging bouquet.

Detailed Food Matches: A Versatile and Elegant Partner

The St Henri’s rich fruit profile, savoury undertones, and elegant structure make it an excellent companion for a wide array of dishes.

• Roast Meats: A classic pairing would be roast leg of lamb, perhaps seasoned with garlic and rosemary, or a beautifully roasted sirloin of beef.
• Game Dishes: Consider roast pheasant, duck breast with a cherry sauce, or a hearty venison stew. The wine’s dark fruit and subtle spice notes will complement these richer meats.
• Mediterranean Cuisine: Dishes such as moussaka, slow-cooked lamb kleftiko, or even a rich, tomato-based pasta with Italian sausage would pair well.
• Barbecued Meats: The subtle smokiness and concentrated flavours of grilled red meats and gourmet sausages find a fine partner in St Henri.
• Mature Hard Cheeses: (See specific cheese pairing below).

Cheese Pairing Recommendation:

For a complementary cheese pairing with the Penfolds St Henri Shiraz 2021, consider a mature British territorial cheese with a good depth of flavour. A Red Leicester, particularly one that has been traditionally made and aged for around 6-12 months, would be an excellent choice. Its dense, slightly flaky texture and mellow, nutty, almost caramel-like sweetness will harmonise beautifully with the St Henri’s dark fruit, savoury notes, and velvety tannins, creating a balanced and satisfying pairing without overpowering the wine's elegance.

Exceptional Critical Acclaim:

The Penfolds St Henri Shiraz 2021 has garnered outstanding recognition from leading wine critics, affirming its exceptional quality:

• 99 Points - Ray Jordan
• 98+ Points - Andrew Caillard MW
• 98 Points - Nick Ryan, The Australian
• 97 Points - Dave Brookes, Halliday Wine Companion
• 97 Points - Erin Larkin, Robert Parker, Wine Advocates

The Penfolds St Henri Shiraz 2021 is a testament to a unique and enduring style, offering a captivating drinking experience that balances immediate appeal with remarkable potential for ageing. It is a sophisticated and deeply satisfying expression of Australian Shiraz.