2006 Penfolds, St. Henri Shiraz, South Australia 1x750ml

Robert Parker 96

Tasted at the a oeRewards of Patiencea vertical in Berlin. The 2006 St. Henri Shiraz is a blend of 89% Shiraz and 11% Cabernet. It has an intriguing bouquet that is cut from a different cloth to the previous two vintages. It is more floral and feminine, with dried rose petals, vanilla, liquorice and wild strawberry. The palate is silky smooth and sensual on the entry, indeed, this is a St. Henri that sets out to caress and seduce. There is a cheeky tang of salted liquorice on the finish and grippy dry tannins dominating the finish. This has great potential and what I admire is that it adheres completely and unreservedly to the St. Henri style. Drink 2018-2045. Tasted June 2012. [Neal Martin, 01/06/2012]

Anticipated maturity: 2018-2045

Vinous 92

(includes 11% cabernet sauvignon) Saturated red. Highly perfumed bouquet of blackcurrant, dried cherry, woodsmoke, potpourri and subtle herbs. Suave and velvety on entry, gaining structure in the mid-palate and offering incisive red and dark berry preserve and bitter cherry flavors and notes of violet pastille and anise. The finish is sweet and penetrating, with very good closing grip and persistence. Lots going on here, flavor-wise, but there’s also strong spine and youthfully gripping tannins that call for some time to resolve. At the very least decant this if you’ll be drinking it any time soon. [Josh Raynolds, 07/01/2010]