Country: Australia Region: South Australia Varietal: Shiraz 95% Cabernet Sauvignon 5% Vintage: 2013 Colour:Red Style:Dry Producer: Penfolds Description:St Henri is a time-honoured and alternative expression of Shiraz, and an intriguing counterpoint to Grange. It is unusual among high quality Australian red wines as it does not rely on any new oak. It was created in the early 1950s (first commercial vintage 1957) and gained a new lease of life in the 1990s as its quality and distinctive style became better understood. Proudly, a wine style that hasn’t succumbed to the dictates of fashion or commerce. St Henri is rich and plush when young, gaining soft, earthy, mocha-like characters as it ages. It is matured in old, 1460 litre vats that allow the wine to develop, imparting minimal, if any oak character. Although a small proportion of Cabernet is sometimes used to improve structure, the focal point for St Henri remains Shiraz. Ageing Potential: 25 Years Tasting Note: ORIGIN Multi-district blend, South Australia. Significant contributions of Shiraz from Barossa Valley, Eden Valley, Clare Valley, McLaren Vale, Langhorne Creek, Robe and Bordertown; cabernet sauvignon from Coonawarra and Barossa Valley. Increasing components of Adelaide Hills fruit in recent vintages. MATURATION 18 months in large (1460 litres) old, oak vats. FERMENTATION Stainless steel tanks with wax-lined/wooden header boards at Nuriootpa. Some components are vinified at Magill Estate. VARIETY Shiraz FIRST VINTAGE 1953–1956 (experimental), 1957 (first commercial release).   Food Matches:Red Meat / Turkey / Game / Spicy