-
93
/ 100
Stephen Tanzer -
92
/ 100
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate -
90
/ 100
Wine Spectator -
96
/ 100
James Halliday
Red
Classification
Shiraz
Variety
2002
Vintage
750ml (Bottle)
Bottle Size
Australia
Country
South Australia,
Region
14.5%
Alcohol %
Ready, but will Keep
Cellaring
Scores
93 / 100""Deep ruby. Powerful cherry, blackberry, blackcurrant, tobacco and Asian spices on the nose, with lovely floral accents. Lush, superconcentrated and remarkably deep, showing an almost candied sweetness to the dark berry flavors, along with fruitcake and licorice notes. This is sweeter than any vintage of St. Henri I've seen to this point. Finishes with supple tannins and superb length. In the current batch of Penfolds releases, this one gives the new Grange some stiff competition." (Jul/Aug 06)"
- Stephen Tanzer
92 / 100
""A classic effort, the 2002 Shiraz St. Henri (91% Shiraz and 9% Cabernet Sauvignon) was aged 14 months in old 1,460 liter vats. First introduced in 1953, the St. Henri offering is considered to be a quintessential old Southern Australian-styled red. The 2002 was sourced from the Barossa, McLaren Vale, Clare Valley, and the Fleurieu Peninsula. This stunningly rich, distinctive Shiraz offers up scents of Provencal herbs, bay leaves, blackberries, black currants, new saddle leather, and loads of meaty characteristics. Rich, texturally opulent, and soft, this heady offering should drink well for 10-12 years. It is also a very good bargain in the scheme of Penfolds’ pricing." (10/06)"
- Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
90 / 100
""Fresh, exuberant and juicy, with blueberry and plum flavors shaded with hints of white pepper and sage as the finish lingers against fine tannins. Drink now through 2014." (09/06)"
- Wine Spectator
96 / 100
"Excellent colour, a medium bodied wine which lives up to expections of a great vintage; intense black fruits run through a long, perfectly balanced palate, finishing with fine tannins, oak largely unseen. Drink 2020."
- James Halliday
Tasting Notes
Penfolds St. Henri is a counterpoint to Penfolds Grange. St. Henri is a highly successful, alternative expression of Shiraz. It is unusual among high quality Australian red wines as it does not rely on new oak. It was created in the mid-1950s (first commercial vintage 1957) and gained a new lease of life in the 1990s as its quality, longevity and distinctive style became better understood.
Penfolds St. Henri is rich and plush when young and gains soft, earthy, mocha-like characters as it ages. It is matured in old, 1460-litre vats that allow the wine to develop, but imparting no oak character. The focal point for St. Henri is shiraz. The 2002 Penfolds St. Henri already shows great potential and is in the mould of the great 1990, 1991 and 1996 vintages.
Tasting Profile
- Light
- Full
- Low Tannin
- Tannic
- Sweet
- Dry
- Low Acidity
- High Acidity