2019 St. Henri Shiraz

Immediately spicy and complex, this has a rich blackberry and dark-plum nose, together with dark-chocolate and tarry, earthy elements. The palate has a very rich, fleshy feel with such ripe dark-plum, dark-chocolate, blackberry and mulberry flavors on offer. Generous, yet balanced. A South Australian blend of McLaren Vale, Barossa Valley, Padthaway, Wrattonbully and The Peninsulas. Drink or hold. Screw cap. (06/2022)

The 2019 St Henri is made from 100% Shiraz from McLaren Vale, Barossa Valley, Padthaway, Wrattonbully, and The Peninsulas. As always, this wine saw no new oak and was aged 12 months in large, seasoned oak barrels. Very deep purple-black colored, it explodes with notes of blackberry pie, plum preserves, and blueberry compote, leading to suggestions of licorice, tar, and peppered salami with a waft of crushed rocks. Full-bodied, the palate is taut and firm at this youthful stage, featuring a backbone of rounded tannins and great freshness to support the generous black fruits, finishing with epic length. This forward, gregarious style of St Henri is delicious now. Still, I recommend waiting a couple of years, at least, for tertiary characters to inject a sense of gravitas into the party, then enjoy this wine over the next two decades. (07/2022)