2010 Penfolds St Henri Shiraz

The 2010 Penfolds St Henri is produced from 100% Shiraz, some vintages have incorporated a small Cabernet component to provide additional structure but this was not required for the outstanding 2010 vintage. Sourced from a wide variety of vineyards including the Barossa Valley, McLaren Vale, Clare Valley and Coonawarra, the wine has been matured for 12 months in old 1460 litre oak vats which impart minimal oak character.
Magnificent colour saturation displaying an impenetrable inky black core with a very deep dark purple black hue. Perfumed aromas of ripe blackberries, dark chocolate and liquorice evolve from the glass overlaying some subtle vanillin oak and spice notes. On the palate superb richness combines with a sumptuous velvety texture featuring mouthfilling flavours of ripe blackberries and liquorice interlaced with dark chocolate and some very subtle toasty vanillin oak over a background of mocha and spice. Silky smooth supplely textured tannins further enhances the wines seamless integration of all its component parts. Outstanding length with long aftertaste of ripe blackberry, dark chocolate, a touch of liquorice, vanillin mocha like characters and spice.
Cellar 8-10 years.
Alc 14.5%

Other reviews….
Very deep purple-black in color and showing an attractive nose of warm blackcurrants, blueberries and licorice with a complex undercurrent of mocha, cedar, menthol and grilled meat, the full-bodied 2010 St Henri Shiraz is relatively rich in the mouth, offering tons of fruit structured by firm, fine tannins and refreshing acid. It finishes with great persistence. Drink it 2015 to 2030+.
97+ points
Lisa Perrotti-Brown – Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate

A rare vintage of only shiraz in this wine, the sourcing is Barossa Valley, McLaren Vale, Coonawarra, Adelaide Hills, Wrattonbully and Clare Valley. A very handy vintage of this classically styled Penfolds red, bright hearty fruit dominates amid earth, tar and dark nutty elements, boot polish too, really deep. The palate has seamless flow and build, immense concentration is at play, dark liquorice, blackberry and plum, this is swathed in deeply ripe, smooth but strong tannin. Dark plum flavours build, the finish holds and holds - terrific length and depth here, this will go down as one of the greatest ever St. Henri releases.
98 points
JamesSuckling.com

Arguably the most anticipated Penfolds release of '14, this is a standout St Henri of the modern era. The gentle touch of maturation in large, old vats propels the purity and definition of a benchmark vintage. It's elegant and effortless, framing impeccable fruit in finely honed tannins; a shiraz of space, grace, and enduring longevity. Drink by 2040.
97 points
James Halliday's Wine Companion