Penfolds St. Henri Shiraz 2009

Cherry red with a magenta rim. Initially exudes giveaway St Henri cues - praline, fruit pastille, red licorice, violet. Yet there are other aromas linked to variety/vineyard(s)/vintage - initially, Shiraz spices including cinnamon and nutmeg followed by a spray of kirsch, campari, bitters, cranberry and radish. With air and time these combine and transform to create a wine that can only be Shiraz. Compact and restrained. A medium-bodied wine, offering lightness, silkiness, softness and elegance alongside its oaked-indulged Penfolds Shiraz siblings. Granular tannins and acidity contentedly usher an admirable textural demeanour across the front, middle and back-palate spectrum. Cold lamb and white chocolate flavours wrestle good-naturedly with fruits such as sour cherry, raspberry and wild strawberry.

Penfolds St. Henri Shiraz 2009