Penfolds St Henri 2005

Distinctive, traditional winemaking style that hasn't changed in half a century. 'People have come back to this style,' according to Gago. 'It's quite an odd style, St Henri, deceptive in youth. Almost suggesting drink it tonight, but it transforms in the bottle.' Released 1 May 2009. Sourced all over the state. Shiraz aged very traditionally in vast (1,460 litre) old oak puncheons at least 50 years old, sometimes with some Cabernet, 10% in this instance. He strongly recommends halves of St Henri 1962 for current drinking! I much enjoyed a 75 cl of 2005. Very dark crimson. Warm, super-fruity mulberry fruit. Very round and polished and gorgeous. Wonderfully fresh, yet super-welcoming. Very lush and approachable with a merest hint of brine. Big and plummy, with, at the moment, more obvious tannins than Grange actually! 18 Points/Drink 2009-2029 Very fine, supple, elegant and seamless, this old-fashioned expression of the Australian burgundy style, is full to medium in weight, with earthy, leathery and chocolatey complexity beneath its briary expression of bright red and black fruits. Supported by fine, cherry kernel-like tannins, it's silky-smooth, slightly minty and meaty, finishing long and savoury with nuances of licorice, raisins and menthol. - www jeremyoliver . com