2000 Penfolds St. Henri Shiraz 750ml

Overview

St. Henri is Penfolds’ distinctive counterpoint to Grange: an alternative expression of Shiraz built around fruit rather than new oak. The wine is matured in large, old vats that allow it to develop without imparting obvious oak character. First commercially released with the 1957 vintage, St. Henri has become one of Penfolds’ enduring expressions of traditional Australian Shiraz.

Vintage

Rain between Christmas and New Year was followed by very dry and very hot conditions through to March. Crops were reduced by 20–40%, while good fruit ripeness was achieved.

Winemaking

The 2000 St. Henri was matured for 14 months in large, old oak vats. Penfolds’ technical sheet specifies old 1,460-litre vats for the St. Henri style, designed to mature the wine without imparting overt oak character.

Producer Tasting Notes

COLOUR
“Medium crimson, purple.”

NOSE
“Tinned dark plum, blackberry, and raspberry fruits with a suggestion of kirsch. Aromas of charcuterie dissipate with aeration, and more perfume and floral notes arise. Hints of white chocolate and spice also gain prominence upon sitting in the glass.”

PALATE
“A tight and well-structured wine with redcurrant fruits and spice immediately apparent. Mouthwatering acidity induces an engaging backbone conveying all before it to the back palate. Abundant, firm, yet fine-grained tannins complete the textural offering,”

Source: Peter Gago, Penfolds Chief Winemaker — Tasted 22 January 2004

Specifications

• Vintage: 2000
• Grape Variety: Shiraz (Syrah)
• Country: Australia
• Region: South Australia
• Alcohol: 13.5%
• Maturation: 14 months in large, old oak vats
• Acidity: 6.90 g/L
• pH: 3.44
• Winemaker: Peter Gago