Penfolds : Saint Henri Shiraz 2019

A fine and elegant Australian Shiraz from Penfolds

The estate

Voted New World Winery of the Year in 2013 by the prestigious Wine Enthusiast magazine, Penfolds had already established itself as an icon of Australia's great wines thanks to the unparalleled determination of Mary Penfold in the 19th century. Certainly the co-founder of Penfolds devoted herself body and soul to making exceptional wines. Her life's work is reflected in the winery's success in establishing itself as a benchmark in Southern Australia. When Max Schubert joined the Penfolds venture in the 1950s, he brought to the estate's wines the elegance of the great Bordeaux wines that so fascinated him. Success was not long in coming when the cellar master signed his famous Grange cuvée, which crossed Australian borders to win the hearts of wine lovers around the world.

The wine

A timeless and interesting alternative to Grange, Saint Henri Shiraz 2019 Penfolds is one of the few really great wines from Australia that has not been aged in new oak. With a first vintage revealed in 1957, it was from the 1990s onwards that Saint Henri Shiraz enjoyed a real renaissance and success. A blend of Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon, Saint Henri Shiraz 2019 is made from grapes from the McLaren Vale, Barossa Valley, Padthaway, Wrattonbully and The Peninsulas areas of Southern Australia, in the south-east of Australia.

The vintage

McLaren Vale and Barossa Valley had a very wet winter compared to the south-eastern vineyards. In September, frosts occurred without causing any damage. Veraison was delayed by the hot summer temperatures. The summer was very dry and warm in the Barossa Valley, which led to irrigation being used. The proximity of the Southern Ocean played an important role in moderating temperatures in Wrattonbully and Padthaway. The crop was healthy, but yields were lower than average. The Shiraz showed a very good colour, firm tannin profiles and intense aromas.

Ageing

This wine was aged for 12 months in large oak barrels aged more than 50 years old.

Blend

Shiraz mostly, with Cabernet Sauvignon.

Characteristics and tasting tips for Penfolds : Saint Henri Shiraz 2019

Tasting

Colour
Saint Henri Shiraz 2019 Penfolds has a dark plum colour.

Nose
Delicious scents of black fruit, cream and chocolat are released, as are those of red fruit like cranberry. Spicy notes accompanied by aniseed and a hint of leather bring their complexity.

Palate
The palate is as delicious as the nose with fine hints of graphite highlighted by dessert notes. The salinity and the lovely acidity bring elegance. The style of this wine has not changed : Saint Henri Shirz Penfolds is a Shiraz graced with fine and silky tannins.

Food and wine pairing

Delicate meats go marvellously with this wine.

To serve

For the best tasting, serve between 16 and 18°C.

Storage

This magnificent red wine from Penfolds can be enjoyed in its youth, and all its complexity will develop by 2045.