Tasting St Henri 2012, 2011 and 2010
Representing the “alternative expression” of Shiraz to the legendary Penfolds’ powerhouse Grange, the St. Henri has been winning the wine world over with its distinctive elegance, at a price which is remarkably affordable still.
If you have interest in knowing more about comparing St Henri to Grange, please folllow and read Grange 2010 vs St Henri 2010, http://www.dunndunnplus.com/#!Penfolds-St-Henri-2010/czc1/56cbdbeb0cf2f9aefdbfcc3b
We sample 2010, 2011 and 2012 today in a roll and reports the tasting of St Henri 2012 as follows:
The St Henri 2012(97% Shiraz, 3% Cabernet) points to a more diversified nose and palate with a slight twist. There is no hurry to drink but no exaggeration either. Compare to the cooler St Henri 2011 which is of slightly ‘taut’ structure and made from 100% Shiraz, the St Henry 2012 will show traditionally rich and plush characteristics in its youth. Compare to St Henri 2010(of all shiraz), which is as big ,with bright hearty fruit dominates amid earth, tar and dark nutty elements, the St Henri 2012 vintage will be giving soft, earthy, mocha-like characters which are to shine through out out our 2-hour tasting.
All these 3 St Henris. which had been aged 13 months in ancient large oak vats (over 50 years old), give dark purple/tight rim, scented and intense, licorice ,sweet start. All 23 wines are 'majestic'. The St Henri 2012 is drier, fresh, and quite subtle with a hint of treacle toffee; the St Henri 2011, with some grapes from Adelaide Hills, is even polished and a little taut but very correct. The St Henri 2010, however, is more sophisticated yet easy drinking style-floral, a lot of refined tannins.
The St Henri 2012 vintage is once again a return to form for this rising star of the Penfolds stable and so will St Henri 2012 will be featured frequently in world medias. Driven by demand-pull, price of St Henri 2012 is expected to ramp up a little in the interim term.
