Penfolds : Saint Henri Shiraz 2023

Characteristics and tasting notes of Penfolds Saint Henri Shiraz 2023

Tasting

Appearance
Deep and dense at the core, with vivid purple hues at the rim.

Nose
It reveals aromas of black and blue fruits, mingled with spice and a hint of lightly roasted coffee. Mineral and saline notes intertwine with touches of smoke, herbs, nettle, tea and goji berry.

Palate
The texture is juicy and generous, underpinned by a firm structure. Deep black fruit comes through alongside meaty notes and brined olive. The tannins are fine, tight and precise, leading into a long, chiselled and persistent finish.

Food and wine pairing
This wine pairs beautifully with red meats, game, or a slow-roasted leg of lamb and braised beef. It is equally perfect with charcuterie, hearty stews, mushroom dishes as well as mature cheeses.

Serving and cellaring
The Saint Henri Shiraz 2023 offers exceptional cellaring potential and can be kept until around 2050, although it can already be enjoyed now. For optimal tasting, decanting is recommended to release its full aromatic complexity. It is best served at a temperature of between 16 and 18°C.

A silky and expressive shiraz from Southern Australia

The estate
Founded in 1844 by Dr Christopher Rawson Penfold and his wife Mary in Magill, this renowned Australian brand has established itself as a true global icon. Located in Southern Australia, the estate has skilfully combined historical heritage with a modern, multi-regional philosophy. Now owned by the Treasury Wine Estates group, the estate continues to shine under the technical direction of Peter Gago. Penfolds stands out for its ability to produce wines of exceptional quality, reflecting the diversity of Australian terroirs while retaining a strong and distinctive stylistic identity.

The vineyard
The grapes come from several iconic wine regions of Australia. The vineyard spans a variety of terroirs including McLaren Vale, the Barossa Valley, Frankland River, Port Lincoln and Padthaway. This geographical diversity allows for the selection of the finest plots to ensure the desired balance and complexity.

The vintage
2023 was marked by the influence of the La Niña climate phenomenon, bringing cool and wet conditions to southern Australia. Winter and early spring rainfall exceeded usual averages, disrupting flowering and causing irregular fruit set as well as reduced yields. A mild summer then followed, allowing for slow and steady berry ripening, which led to a later harvest than average.

Winemaking and ageing
The Saint Henri Shiraz 2023 stands out for its traditional approach that eschews the influence of new oak. Ageing takes place over 12 months, exclusively in large, seasoned oak vats. This method allows the wine to develop slowly while preserving the purity of the fruit and its distinctive style among the great red wines of Australia.

Grape variety
100% Shiraz.