Penfolds St. Henri Shiraz 2019 (Gift Box)

Winery Background and History

Penfolds, founded in Adelaide in 1844, is a premier Australian winery now under Treasury Wine Estates. The St Henri label began with Auldana Cellars in 1888 and was revived by Penfolds in 1953. It stands as an iconic, time-honoured expression of Shiraz—elegant, oak-neutral, and texturally refined, positioned as a graceful alternative to more opulent wines like Grange.

Producer and Wine Maker

Crafted by Penfolds’ expert winemaking team under Chief Winemaker Peter Gago, St Henri emphasizes fine craftsmanship: no new oak is used, preserving purity of fruit and texture. The winemakers utilize seasoned vats and traditional methods to uphold its classic house style, balancing restraint and richness.

Vineyards and Micro Climate

Shiraz grapes are sourced from multiple premium South Australian regions including McLaren Vale, Barossa Valley, and emerging zones like The Peninsulas. These regions share a Mediterranean climate with warm summers and cool nights, producing rich, supple fruit. The blend of sites enhances complexity and balance.

Vinification & Aging Methods

Fermentation occurs without new oak influence. Instead, the wine matures in large, seasoned vats—often old wooden or concrete—and sees minimal oak contact. This method ensures focus on terroir and texture, resulting in a wine with silky tannins and expressive purity.

Tasting Notes

Plum-red with a crimson rim. Aromas of blackberry, mulberry, paprika, liquorice, toasted fennel, dried mint, and charcuterie drift from the glass. The palate is centered around a graphite core, enriched by gamey complexity, layered with silken dark cacao tannins, red and black fruit, savory spices, and cleansing salinity. Elegant and reserved yet intense and age-worthy.

Food & Wine Pairing

Pairs beautifully with rich, savory fare: Greek lamb with olive oil and oregano, oven-roasted game meats like venison or hare, meaty sausages, braised gnocchi, charcuterie like bresaola, and dishes with earthy or herbal notes (e.g., porcini risotto or wild mushroom stew).

Service Methods and Temperatures

Serve at ~16–18 °C. Decanting 30–60 minutes helps open the nose and soften tannins. Use a large Bordeaux-style glass to maximize aromatic and palate expression.

Storage and Aging Potential

Peak drinking window is 2024–2045. Enjoyable now with graceful aging potential through 2045 or beyond if stored in a cool, stable environment (12–15 °C, dark). Over time, tertiary flavors like mocha, earth, leather, and subtle spice will evolve while retaining freshness and finesse.

Grape Varietals & percentage used

100 % Shiraz.

ABV

14.5 %.

Scores

• Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate – 96+ Points 

• Wine Spectator – 94 Points

• James Suckling – 94 Points