Reviews & Ratings

2020 Penfolds Syrah & Shiraz (Other than French) "St. Henri"

Winery: Penfolds

Vintage: 2020

Wine Name/Vineyard: "St. Henri"

Wine Category: Syrah & Shiraz (Other than French)

Grape blend: 100% Shiraz

Bottle size: 750 ml

Region: South Australia

State or country: Australia

Price: $150

Cases produced: 325

KWG Score: 96.4 (based on 6 reviews)

Ken's Wine Rating: Very Good+ (93.5)

Review date: January 31, 2024

Wine Review: This deep magenta colored Shiraz from Penfolds opens with a mild boysenberry and black licorice bouquet with hints of blueberry pie, tobacco leaf and cocoa. On the palate, this wine is full bodied with nicely integrated medium plus acidity. The mouthfeel is well-balanced, smooth, seamless, and opulent. The flavor profile is tasty boysenberry and graphite blend with notes of blackberry and stony minerality. We also detected hints of tobacco and black tea in the mix. The finish is dry, and its polished tannins are very nicely extended. The Tasting Panel would drink this Shiraz on its own. With food we would pair it with beef short ribs with mushroom risotto. Enjoy – KWGTP

Winemaker Notes: St. Henri is a time-honored and alternative expression of Shiraz, and an intriguing counterpoint to Grange. It is unusual amongst high quality Australian red wines as it does not rely on any new oak. 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 with age. It is matured in an assortment of old large vats that allow the wine to develop, imparting minimal, if any oak character. Although a small proportion of Cabernet may sneak into the blend, the focal point for St. Henri remains Shiraz. The 2020 is garnet red with a dark purple core. The fruit profile is a delight, oak playing no role in the aromatics. Fruits of the forest are first to emerge, berry conserve, strawberry flan, and rhubarb tart. There is a hit of confectionary, reminiscent of red glace cherries. Savory notes include spiced sausage, pan scrapings, and salt cured beef. True to form, the palate is quite savory. Japanese nori paper and olive brine offer a very morish umami nuance. Fresh blueberry and mulberry leaf anchor the core of the mid-palate. Exotic spices adding intrigue, turmeric, toasted cumin, pimento. The tannins are very tactile, comparable to Dutch cocoa. A classic St. Henri that will reward extended time in the cellar.

Buy it: Use 1000 Corks to find stores that sell Penfolds 2020 St. Henri Shiraz.