Penfolds : Saint Henri Shiraz 2022

Characteristics and tasting tips for the Penfolds Saint Henri Shiraz 2022

Tasting

Color
The color shows saturated plum-red hues with intense violet nuances.

Nose
The bouquet expresses the purity of Shiraz without any new oak notes. It reveals aromas of freeze-dried raspberry, coconut biscuit, wild fruit gelato, and freshly roasted coffee beans. Notes of cinnamon pastry, preserved olives, paprika, and brine complete this complex aromatic interplay.

Palate
Dense yet airy, the palate reveals a confident presence. It develops flavor notes of hazelnut, macadamia, white chocolate, and Dutch licorice. The intense fruits recall Kir Royal and summer pudding, accompanied by melted chocolate. The ripe and integrated tannins carry a classic youthful freshness that promises excellent aging potential.

Food and wine pairing

This Saint Henri Shiraz 2022 pairs perfectly with grilled red meat, slow-cooked dishes with mild spices, and mature cheeses. It also harmonizes with game dishes and Mediterranean specialties with aromatic herbs.

Service and storage

The Saint Henri Shiraz 2022 can be enjoyed now but will evolve beautifully until around 2050. Decanting for one hour will allow its aromatic potential to fully unfold. Serve at a temperature of 16–18°C.

A vibrant Australian Shiraz from the Barossa Valley with a beautiful aromatic expression

The estate

A symbol of excellence, the Penfolds estate has embodied great Australian wines since the beginning of the 20th century, thanks in no small part to the determination of a courageous figure: Mary Penfold. The famous Briton and her husband Christopher Rawson arrived in Australia in 1844 and quickly acquired a 200-hectare estate in the heart of Adelaide. Captivated by this wine paradise, Mary Penfold devoted herself body and soul to managing the estate, making it the largest wine producer in South Australia.

Defined by depth, elegance, and complexity, wines signed by Penfolds have been celebrated by critics for decades and have received countless awards for their quality.

The vineyard

Saint Henri Shiraz is produced from grapes from three emblematic regions: Barossa Valley, McLaren Vale, and Padthaway. These South Australia terroirs benefit from diverse climatic conditions, each contributing its unique character to the final blend, thereby creating the complexity sought after for this traditional cuvée.

The vintage

The 2022 vintage was marked by varying conditions across the regions. The Barossa Valley experienced near-average winter rainfall, a dry spring followed by rain and hail in October, and a mild summer with ideal harvest conditions. McLaren Vale benefited from temperatures rarely exceeding 35°C, a dry harvest period, and cool conditions that fostered an optimal aromatic profile. Padthaway saw frost in October, but no significant heatwaves, allowing for moderate yields and high quality.

Winemaking and aging

The Saint Henri Shiraz 2022 is distinguished by 14 months of aging in large, seasoned oak vats. This traditional approach minimizes the influence of wood to preserve the pure expression of the fruit and terroir—in contrast to common methods using new barriques.

Blend

The blend consists of 96% Shiraz and 4% Cabernet Sauvignon, imparting structure and complexity.