2017 Penfolds St Henri Shiraz

"My first two tasting note words on the day, “Okay, Wow.” It is an increasingly relevant shiraz style and it has so much going on in its deep, dark fascinations. A wine worth dwelling on. The question to pose here is at $135 (and $100 for the Bin 389) are these worth buying a half a dozen rather for less than you would spend on a bottle of Grange. I would say definitely. At 98 points in my book for the 2017 St Henri, it’s a yes from me."

"The colour is impressively concentrated, dense and dark, the purple tinge staining the glass. The bouquet carries some apparent oaky nuances as well as very ripe blackberry fruit aromas. Concentrated dark berries, graphite, tar and tremendous depth and density of flavour that rolls on endlessly along the palate. Fresh acidity and ripely authoritative tannin grip to close. Hints of mocha and espresso coffee throughout. The texture is supple and smoothly rounded. No oak is apparent on palate. A powerful, lingering wine with great potential. 10 JUL 2020." Drink 2021 - 2045

"The cool and late vintage kissed the wine on both cheeks, making the classic maturation in 50yo vats doubly welcome. A glimpse of the future is the use of fruit from Port Lincoln joining the Barossa Valley, McLaren Vale, and Eden Valley in the blend. This has none of the hardness that sometimes gives an edge to St Henri, purity stepping in to its sculpted palate. Includes 3% cabernet sauvignon." Drink by 2047