*Very high shoulder
Penfolds St Henri Shiraz is one of Australia’s most enduring and distinguished red wines, first released in the early 1950s. Unlike most of Penfolds’ flagship reds, St Henri matures in large seasoned oak vats rather than new barrels—preserving fruit purity, natural structure, and elegance over overt oak influence. It stands as a timeless counterpoint to Grange, emphasising grace over power.
Vineyard
The 1973 vintage was sourced from select Shiraz vineyards across South Australia, including McLaren Vale, Barossa Valley, and Coonawarra. Each parcel was chosen for its concentration and aromatic profile, then vinified and matured for 12–18 months in large, old oak vats, allowing the varietal and regional characters to harmonise naturally.
Vintage
1973 was a warm and generous growing season, producing Shiraz of ample fruit weight and early approachability. While it lacked the density of cooler, later vintages, careful cellaring has allowed well-preserved bottles of St Henri to reveal remarkable tertiary complexity, savoury evolution, and classic Penfolds balance after five decades.
Tasting Notes
Now fully mature, the 1973 St Henri opens with aromas of dried plum, leather, cedar, tobacco leaf, and spice. The palate is soft and silken, showing flavours of stewed blackberry, mocha, and earth, integrated with mellow tannins and a gentle acid line. The finish is long, warm, and savoury, reflecting the soulful maturity of this half-century-old Penfolds icon. Well-stored bottles continue to display surprising vitality and aromatic depth.
Critics’ Acclaim
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Langton’s Classification: “Outstanding”
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Wine Ark Review: Noted for its longevity, savoury evolution, and enduring charm
Technical Information
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Region: Multi-regional blend – primarily Barossa Valley, McLaren Vale, and Coonawarra
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Variety: Shiraz (with a small portion of Cabernet Sauvignon in select parcels)
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Alcohol: ~13%
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Maturation: 12–18 months in large seasoned oak vats
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Closure: Cork
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Drinking Window: 1985–2030 (still drinking well if well-cellared)
A Collectible Gem
The 1973 Penfolds St Henri Shiraz is a rare and remarkable piece of Australian wine history. With five decades of graceful evolution, it offers an evocative expression of Penfolds’ heritage and winemaking philosophy—combining subtlety, maturity, and timeless elegance.
