2008 Penfolds St Henri Shiraz

Penfolds St Henri is unusual among high quality Australian red wines as it does not rely on any new oak. It is matured in old, 1460-litre vats that allow the wine to develop, imparting minimal, if any oak character. Although a small proportion of Cabernet is sometimes used to improve structure, the focal point for St Henri remains Shiraz. Totally opaque inky black colour with deep black purple hue. The nose displays good perfumed lift with aromas of ripe blackberry and liquorice dominate followed by some dark chocolate, vanillin confectionary characters and spice. The palate is very rich and quite luscious for St Henri, no doubt a result of the warmer vintage conditions experienced throughout South Australia. Mouthfilling flavours of ripe blackberry and liquorice with a light toasty overlay followed by some dark chocolate and spice. Very fine grained, almost velvet like tannins. Excellent power with long ripe blackberry, liquorice, toasty oak and spice aftertaste.
Alc 14.5%