Penfolds St. Henri Shiraz 2020

Penfolds St. Henri Shiraz is a garnet red with a dark purple core. The fruit profile is a delight, oak playing no role in the aromatics. Shiraz, unadulterated! The descriptors need to be coaxed from the glass with a gentle swirl. Fruits of the forest are first to emerge, berry conserve, strawberry flan and rhubarb tart. There is a hit of confectionary, reminiscent of red glace cherries. Savory notes include German Blutwurst spiced sausage, pan scrapings from roast lamb and salt cured beef with black peppercorns. Ferric notes of iron filings and whetstone swarf round out an impressive showing. True to form, the palate is quite savory. Japanese nori paper and olive brine offer a very morish umami nuance. Fresh blueberry and mulberry leaf anchor the core of the mid-palate. Exotic spices adding intrigue, Alleppey turmeric, toasted cumin, pimento. The tannins are very tactile, comparable to Dutch cocoa. A classic St Henri that will reward extended time in the cellar.

Plush, rich and perfumed, the 2020 St. Henri shows intensity and layers of aromas from blackberry jam and plum to roasted root veg seasonings such as ground pepper, sage and fennel seed. The plush palate is harmonious, with concentrated fruit and powerful, chalky tannins. Still in its infancy, this is a classic choice for the cellar and should age gracefully for many decades to come.