2002 Penfolds St Henri Shiraz South Australia

(92 points) 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. Wine Advocate # 167 Oct 2006