Penfolds St. Henri Shiraz 2017 (6 Bottles)

Product Description

Penfolds St Henri Shiraz 2017 is a time-honoured expression of one of Australia’s most iconic wines. First released in the 1950s, St Henri has become a distinct counterpoint to the famed Grange, celebrated for its unique style that eschews the use of new oak. Instead, it matures in large, old vats, allowing the fruit’s pure expression to shine through. This results in a rich, plush wine that is beautifully balanced and full of depth. The 2017 vintage is a testament to this approach, showcasing a harmonious blend of dark, ripe fruit flavours and savoury characteristics. The wine’s medium-bodied structure, silky tannins, and seamless texture make it an excellent example of how St Henri has retained its place as a beloved Shiraz that can age gracefully for decades.

The 2017 vintage was marked by a cool and wet winter, followed by a mild summer, creating the perfect conditions for slow ripening and enhanced flavour development. Shiraz from McLaren Vale, Barossa Valley, Eden Valley, and Port Lincoln contributes to this exceptional blend, with the wine matured for 12 months in 50-year-old vats that impart minimal oak character. The result is a wine that is all about purity of fruit, with layered aromas of cherry liqueur, dried herbs, and hints of dried beef, followed by a smooth, balanced palate of coffee, mocha, and generous shiraz fruit.

Penfolds St Henri Shiraz 2017 is a versatile wine that pairs well with rich, savoury dishes. It is excellent with roasted meats, such as lamb or beef, and complements game dishes like venison or duck. The wine’s earthy and spicy complexity also makes it a great match for grilled vegetables, wild mushrooms, and hearty stews. For a more indulgent pairing, try it with a rich charcuterie board featuring aged cheeses and cured meats.

Maker

Penfolds is a name synonymous with excellence in winemaking, with a legacy spanning over 175 years. The brand is recognised worldwide for producing some of the finest wines in Australia, including its iconic Grange and St Henri. The Penfolds team has long been dedicated to maintaining the highest standards of quality while embracing innovation and tradition. Under the leadership of Chief Winemaker, Peter Gago, Penfolds has remained at the forefront of the Australian wine industry, consistently delivering wines that offer exceptional depth, complexity, and consistency. With a focus on blending, Penfolds creates wines that highlight the unique characteristics of Australian terroir, and St Henri is one of the most celebrated examples of this winemaking philosophy.

Philosophy

At Penfolds, the philosophy is centred on the pursuit of quality, craftsmanship, and innovation. The team believes that great wines are born from the land, and they approach winemaking with a deep respect for the terroir. For St Henri, this philosophy is expressed through a commitment to minimal intervention, allowing the fruit to fully express itself without the influence of new oak. Instead, the wine is matured in large, old vats, a traditional method that allows for slow, natural ageing and the development of a rich, complex flavour profile. The focus is always on balance, with Penfolds aiming to create wines that are both powerful and elegant, capable of ageing gracefully over time.

Tasting Notes

Colour

Deep Plum Red
The deep plum red colour of St Henri Shiraz 2017 reflects its richness and depth, hinting at the layers of complexity that unfold with each sip.

Nose

Savoury and Generous
The nose opens with savoury notes of dried beef, quickly complemented by the sweet aromas of cherry liqueur and chocolate. The scent of dried herbs, including oregano, thyme, and lavender, adds an earthy complexity. Intriguingly, there are hints of exotic flavours—copha, cranberry, and activated walnut—that make this wine stand out. It’s a beautiful expression of St Henri, with no oak influence to overshadow the fruit.

Palate

Textured, Balanced, and Effortless
The palate is a masterclass in texture, with plush, silky tannins that are soft and polished. Black olive, coffee, and mocha flavours interweave with generous shiraz fruit from the northern reaches of South Australia. The wine is medium-bodied, with a great core and framework, yet the fruit fills the mouth effortlessly. The acidity, influenced by pomegranate, cranberry, and quince paste, brings balance to the fruit sweetness, creating a wine that is both succulent and complex.

Finish

Long and Balanced
The finish is long, with the flavours lingering on the palate. The structure and fruit sweetness are perfectly balanced by the wine's acidity, ensuring that it will age beautifully over the next few decades.

The cool, extended growing season of 2017 has given birth to a St Henri of multi-faceted complexity, contrasting tangy red berry fruits and mixed spice with hints of charcuterie, set against a backdrop of understated mocha. This is a vintage that plays to the classic tone and mood of this label, where detail and fruit are the mandate, a refreshing counterpoint to the Penfolds regime of density, tannins and oak. Tangy acidity and fine, supple fruit tannins drive a finish of excellent persistence. - Tyson Stelzer 95 points

The Finer Details
Style - Red Wine
Varietal - Shiraz 97%, Cabernet Sauvignon 3%
Country - Australia
Region - Barossa Valley, McLaren Vale, Eden Valley, Port Lincoln
Vintage - 2017
Bottle Size - 750ml
ABV - 14.5%