2007 St Henri Shiraz
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Tasting notes
100% Shiraz. Main source was Robe, planted from early 1990s. Really interesting clay/mineral notes on the nose. Pungent tarry aromas but no excess alcohol nor sweetness. Good balance and direction with slight saltiness. It’s easier to see a relationship between this wine and the northern Rhône than for the other Penfolds Shirazes. Very clean and dense. Long and rewarding. Not too much evidence of drought (one-third average rainfall) on the palate though it’s just a little chewy. They had to put in emergency irrigation in Magill in 2007. (JR)
Critic scores
Average Score
Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW, Wine Advocate
Robert Parker
More reviews and scores
Very deep garnet-purple colored, the 2007 St Henri Shiraz is a little closed at this stage, revealing subtle earthy notes over crushed blackberries, pencil lead, toast, game, smoky bacon and tree bark. Medium bodied, elegantly fruited and still very tight-knit, the palate offers beautiful purity structured with firm chewy tannins and very crisp acid that should see it through a long life. Consider drinking it 2013 to 2022+. Importer: Treasury Wine Estates, Napa, CA; tel. (707) 259-4500
Opaque ruby. Rich cherry and dark berry compote aromas are complicated by dried rose and smoky Indian spices. Dark fruit flavors display impressive concentration and an almost oily texture but are in no way heavy. Becomes chewier on the finish, which emphatically echoes the dark fruit flavors and leaves behind notes of candied licorice and bitter chocolate. This bottling has an admirable track record for aging.
A seriously impressive wine, the 2007 Penfolds Shiraz St. Henri, 100% Shiraz that’s matured in 50+ year old, larger format vats (no new oak or smaller barrel at all) for 12 months, delivers a deep, layered profile with thick plum and currant fruits, meat juice, licorice, roast coffee, and smoky, savory notes that come out more with air. Medium to full bodied on the palate and beautifully balanced, with a rich, seamless, and full texture, rock solid balance, and ripe, finely polished tannin that carries the finish. There’s real depth and length here, and while there more than enough fruit to allow it to drink superbly now, it has the structure to keep it evolving positively for 12-15+ years.
About the producer
Penfolds is Australia’s most famous wine producer, known best for their iconic top wine, Grange. First produced commercially in 1952, Grange has since gone on to become one of the world’s most famous fine wines. In 2001, the wine was listed as an Australian heritage icon.