Penfolds : Saint Henri Shiraz 2022

Characteristics and Tasting Recommendations of Saint Henri Shiraz 2022 Penfolds

Tasting

Color
The color reveals saturated plum-red hues with intense violet reflections.

Nose
The bouquet expresses the purity of shiraz without any new oak signature. It unveils aromas of freeze-dried raspberry, coconut sponge cake, wild fruit gelato and freshly roasted coffee beans. Notes of cinnamon cake, marinated olives, bell pepper and brine complete this complex aromatic palette.

Palate
Dense yet airy, the palate shows assured presence. It develops flavors of hazelnut, macadamia, white chocolate and Dutch licorice. The saturated fruits evoke royal kir and summer pudding, accompanied by melted chocolate. Ripe, integrated tannins support a classic youthful liveliness that promises excellent aging potential.

Food and Wine Pairings

This Saint Henri Shiraz 2022 perfectly complements grilled red meats, slowly cooked dishes with mild spices and aged cheeses. It also pairs well with game-based preparations and Mediterranean specialties with aromatic herbs.

Serving and Cellaring

The Saint Henri Shiraz 2022 can be enjoyed now but will develop beautifully until around 2050. A one-hour decanting will fully reveal its aromatic complexity. Serve at a temperature of 16-18°C.

A lively Australian Shiraz from Barossa Valley with a beautiful aromatic expression

The Estate

A symbol of excellence, the Domaine Penfolds has become a benchmark for great Australian wines since the early 20th century, notably thanks to the tenacity of a bold figure: Mary Penfold. The famous Briton and her husband Christopher Rawson arrived in Australia in 1844 and very quickly acquired a 200-hectare estate in the heart of Adelaide. Captivated by this viticultural jewel, Mary Penfold thereafter devoted herself body and soul to managing the estate, making it the largest wine producer in South Australia.

Imbued with depth, elegance and complexity, Penfolds wines have been praised by critics for decades and have garnered countless awards for their quality.

The Vineyard

Saint Henri Shiraz is made from grapes sourced from three emblematic regions: Barossa Valley, McLaren Vale and Padthaway. These terroirs of Southern Australia benefit from distinct climatic conditions that each contribute their unique character to the final blend, creating the complexity sought for this traditional cuvée.

The Vintage

The 2022 vintage was marked by contrasting conditions across the regions. Barossa Valley experienced winter rainfall near the average, a dry spring followed by rain and hail in October, then a mild summer offering ideal harvest conditions. McLaren Vale benefited from temperatures seldom exceeding 35°C, no rain during the harvest and cool conditions that favored an optimal aromatic profile. Padthaway suffered frost in October but without major heatwaves, allowing moderate yields and high quality.

Winemaking and Aging

The Saint Henri Shiraz 2022 stands out for its 14-month aging in large used oak vats. This traditional approach minimizes the influence of wood to preserve the pure expression of fruit and terroir, unlike the usual methods using new barrels.

Grape Varieties

The blend consists of 96% shiraz complemented by 4% cabernet sauvignon, bringing structure and complexity to the whole.