2021 St. Henri Shiraz Penfolds Barossa Valley 0.75l

2021 St. Henri Shiraz Penfolds - Barossa Valley/Australia
single-vineyard wine

Origin:

Penfolds is one of Australia's most traditional wineries, founded in 1844 by Christopher and Mary Penfold. Today the name stands for iconic red wines such as the Grange and the St. Henri Shiraz , which embody the stylistic diversity of the house. The St. Henri was first vinified in the 1950s (first commercial vintage in 1957), and has since been considered a deliberate counterpart to the Grange . While the Grange relies on aging in new barriques, St. Henri matures traditionally in large, old barrels , so that the fruit and origin are clearly the focus. The 2021 grapes come primarily from the Barossa Valley and McLaren Vale , two of the most renowned regions for Shiraz in Australia.

Expansion:

The blend consists of 97% Shiraz and 3% Cabernet Sauvignon . After hand-harvesting, fermentation took place in stainless steel tanks, followed by 12 months of ageing in large, used oak barrels . This aging process lends the wine a special elegance, as it absorbs virtually no wood aromas, allowing the fruit, delicate spice, and silky texture to come to the fore.

Aroma & Taste:

In the glass, the 2021 St. Henri presents a deep black-red color with violet reflections . The nose unfolds aromas of raspberry licorice, dark cherry, and pomegranate , accompanied by white chocolate, nutmeg, violet, and subtle spice . On the palate, it is powerful yet elegant , with dense, fine-grained tannins, a silky texture, and mineral depth. Notes of wild cherry, toasted bread, graphite, and subtle spice lead into an endlessly long, thrilling finish .

Food recommendation:

An ideal accompaniment to herb-crusted rack of lamb , braised beef with root vegetables , game dishes , or hearty pasta dishes. It also unfolds its complexity with mature cheeses such as Cheddar or Manchego. Perfect for festive menus or as a standalone wine in a large glass.

Special features of the 2021 vintage in South Australia:

The 2021 vintage brought optimal conditions to the Barossa Valley and McLaren Vale : After a dry winter, late summer rains and a mild autumn ensured consistent ripeness . The harvest was quiet and methodical, resulting in highly concentrated, healthy Shiraz grapes . The wines of the 2021 vintage are considered powerful, elegant, and exceptionally age-worthy —a prime example of classic Australian styling.

Conclusion:

The 2021 Penfolds St. Henri Shiraz is an iconic wine that has represented an alternative interpretation of Australian Shiraz for over 70 vintages. It is the counterpart to the legendary Grange —less influenced by oak, but more driven by fruit, minerality, and structure . A wine of great elegance and longevity that embodies Penfolds' timeless signature and can age until 2045.