2015 Penfolds Shiraz St. Henri

97% Shiraz, 3% Cabernet Sauvignon from – wait for it – McLaren Vale, Robe, The Peninsulas, Barossa Valley, Wrattonbully, Adelaide Hills, Mount Benson. pH 3.66. 12 months in 50-year-old large old oak casks. Both intense and mellow on the nose. Those slightly medicinal tannins are well in retreat. Comfortable as a pair of old slippers. This has rounded out quite considerably since I first tasted it in September 2018. Some spicy balsam notes then green, fresh finish. Absolutely nothing to do with the Rhône but why on earth should it be? Definitely Penfolds and definitely persistent and satisfying. If I had a sore throat, I think this would be a most acceptable tincture. Not short of alcohol though! Already very complete and I could (and will) happily drink it already. (JR)

The 2015 Shiraz St. Henri needed plenty of air to shine (I followed this wine for three days) but is a rich, beautiful wine. Ripe black raspberries, incense, minty herbs, and liquid violet notes all emerge from this medium to full-bodied, layered, concentrated Shiraz that’s impeccably balanced. It doesn’t have the broad, multi-dimensional texture found in the 2016s but is classic, focused, and structured. Give bottles another 3-4 years, and it will keep for 10-15 years.

Black olive and plum notes form the base of the 2015 Shiraz St Henri, a wine that sees no new oak (it's aged entirely in old foudres). This vintage includes 7% Cabernet Sauvignon, which gives a bit of lift and a leafy, floral note on the nose. It's medium to full-bodied, with a firm, structured feel and ample tannins to ensure 20-plus years of longevity.