2022 Penfolds St Henri Shiraz, Barossa Valley

Deep, saturated colour with a strong purple rim; the bouquet is very mineral, with ironstone, freshly-dug earth and dried blood notes. Full-bodied, dense and quite muscular for a St Henri, with hints of dried fruit/raisin but the freshness is not compromised at all. Tannins are supple and fleshy and coat the mouth. Typically savoury and lovely drinking already, but obviously has long term potential too. (4% cabernet sauvignon. Barossa Valley, McLaren Vale, Padthaway) 17 Jun 2025
2028–2043

95 points Huon Hooke therealreview.com

I vividly remember trying a 1971 St Henri when I worked in a retail store in Sydney and it knocked my socks off. I've been besotted with the wine every since. Deep magenta-splashed crimson in the glass, with fruit notes of satsuma plum, blackberry, blueberry and boysenberry. Hints of olive tapenade, baking spices, tea cake, roasting meats, earth and dark chocolate. Considerable fruit depth as it unfurls on the palate, with a ferrous edge to the tannin profile providing ample support. The wine finishes long, balanced and true. It's not quite up to the lofty heights of the '21 release but, man, it's not far off.

96 points Dave Brookes winecompanion.com.au

Penfolds St Henri Shiraz is one of the most distinctive and storied wines in the Penfolds portfolio. In a lineup known for power and polish, St Henri offers something altogether different — a nod to tradition, elegance over oak, and an expression of Shiraz that values purity of fruit above all else. While it may not carry the same cult mystique as Grange, many collectors and sommeliers quietly favour St Henri for its restrained beauty, superb ageing potential, and classic Australian character.

First released commercially in 1957, St Henri has roots going back even further. It was originally modelled after the old claret styles of Europe, where fruit and structure led the conversation, rather than new oak. The key to St Henri’s enduring appeal is its maturation in large, old oak vats (usually over 50 years old), which impart no overt oak flavour. This allows the fruit to speak clearly, showcasing the vineyard sites, vintage character and the finesse of Penfolds' multi-regional blending.

While Shiraz is the dominant variety, a small percentage of Cabernet Sauvignon is often included for added structure and aromatic lift. Fruit is sourced from across premium vineyards in South Australia, including the Barossa Valley, McLaren Vale, Clare Valley, Coonawarra and sometimes Eden Valley. This regional blending approach gives St Henri depth and consistency without compromising terroir expression.

In the glass, St Henri is plush and expressive but never overdone. It opens with classic aromas of dark plum, black cherry, and blackberry, supported by notes of dried herbs, aniseed, tobacco leaf and earthy spice. The palate is rich and supple, with velvety tannins and a savoury core that unfolds over time. There's always an elegant, almost old-world feel to the wine — not flashy, but quietly powerful.

Unlike Grange or Bin 389, which lean heavily on new oak for structure and flavour, St Henri is shaped entirely by its fruit, acid and tannin profile. As a result, it tends to age slowly and gracefully, often drinking well at 8 to 15 years of age and continuing to evolve for decades in exceptional vintages.

Pair it with roast duck and cherry glaze, slow-cooked lamb shoulder with rosemary, or mushroom and pancetta ragù over polenta. Decanting is recommended when drinking young, though older vintages can be poured with minimal fuss.