St Henri is one of my very favourite Australian shiraz. If I was to take one wine overseas and announce “this is what South Australian shiraz is really all about” most likely it would be St Henri. The price is getting up there now though. This release looks to be quite typical of the vintage - intense ripe fruit, fine tannins and fresh acidity - an atypical vintage in many respects. There also seems to be some noticable oak here - sweet and spicy vanillin oak - more than I have seen in previous vintages anyway.

Strong dark colour. Aromas of sweet raspberry/plums, roses, chocolate, vanilla, star anise and other spices. On the palate a mix of berry and blackcurrant fruit that looks slightly porty. There are also flavours of chocolate, leather and coal dust. I really like the texture and structure of this wine though. It has beautiful fine grained grippy tannins and fresh acidity. Long fruit sweet and savoury finish. A very good St Henri and one that should age particularily well.

Rated : 94+ Points
Tasted : May06
Alcohol : 14.5%
Closure : Cork
Drink : 2010 - 2020+