Reviews & Scores
Labelled ‘Claret’ until 1989 says less about St Henri’s traditional dash of Cabernet and more about the elegance which derives from maturation in large, old 1,460 litre oak vats. In 2012, a 100% Shiraz, rolling acidity and fine tannins bring great fluidity to its juicy, very pure and bright blackberry and raspberry fruit. This elegant, supple Shiraz reveals subtle anise and leather notes on a long, beautifully balanced finish. Seamless. (SA) - DC
DC97
A highly-anticipated wine from vintage 2012, this doesn't disappoint. Just 3% cabernet, quite tightly-knit red fruit, blackberry, dried red currants, goji berries and a subtle undertone of earthiness. The palate has an entirely different texture to the other reds, it is all silk, tannins are polished to a bright, lustrous texture, slippery, even, deceptively powerful, plush, pure and long. Finishes bright and expansive, this is one of the great St. Henri releases! You can drink it now, but those who wait until after 2020 will be happiest. - JS
JS98
Inky ruby. A highly complex smoke- and spice-accented bouquet evokes fresh dark berries, cherry liqueur, licorice, vanilla and incense. Sweet and expansive on the palate, offering intense cherry-vanilla, floral pastille and succulent herbs flavors and a deft combination of richness and vivacity. Shows excellent focus and lift on a long, sweet finish framed by fine-grained, slowly building tannins. This bottling has a long track record for aging. (JR) - VM
VM93
The 2012 Shiraz St Henri is very impressive with its elegant, sophisticated and well-crafted expression of this superb vintage. As always, there is no new oak employed here, simply 50+ year old large oak vats. This vintage has a dollop (3%) Cabernet Sauvignon, contributing a lovely cassis lift to the heady perfume. Deep garnet-purple colored, it displays a gorgeous nose of commendable purity and intensity with notes of red and blackcurrants, freshly crushed blackberries, menthol, cinnamon stick, bacon fat and cloves. Rich and already expressive on the palate, it is nonetheless built for the long haul with firm, ripe and grainy tannins carrying the fruit to a long and layered finish. (LPB) - WA
WA96+