1997 Penfolds St. Henri Shiraz

BACKGROUNDPenfolds St Henri first appeared on the market in the mid 1950’s with the first commercial release being 1957. The St Henri style has been developed without the use of new oak, rather relying on its fruit qualities and is always matured in large old 2000 litre oak vats. The large vats allow flavour development without imparting any oak influence.

VINTAGE CONDITIONSThis is the only 1997 to be released with the 1998 Penfolds reds. A cool summer delayed ripening in all South Australian wine regions. Ripening was held back due to extreme heat in February, followed by some cool weather. The vintage was then blessed with 5 weeks of warm dry weather, from late March.

TASTING NOTEVery deep crimson colour. Superb nose, perfumed aroma of violets and cedar followed by nuances of mixed berries and chocolate spice. The palate is a reflection of outstanding fruit quality, making this a great St Henri. Excellent length and persistence, perfect balance, with refined flavours of cedar, violets and blackcurrant. Velvet smooth tannins, followed by very long aftertaste of spice and cedar. Cellar 8-10 years.

RATING: 92/100

VALUE: XXXX/5