Savage Red

With a deep, purple colour, red berries and hints of charcoal with faint liquorice on the nose are set against gentle floral notes in the background, making way for blueberries, cassis, and nuances of sweet, dried herbs. The palate displays layers of berry fruit with spices of pepper, cinnamon and clove. A soft entry on the palate is supported with supple tannins, impressive length and bright, acidity. Serve at 12-15 Deg. Pair with mushrooms and pasta and full-flavored dishes like glazed ham, roast lamb.

A delectable syrah that is fairly spicy and opens up to a dry palate with tasting notes of black fruit, pepper, cinnamon and oak. It has well-structured tannins that balance the wine, and a long finish.

St Henri is a time-honoured and alternative expression of shiraz, and an intriguing counterpoint to Grange. It is unusual amongst high quality Australian red wines as it does not rely on any new oak. Released for the first time by Penfolds in the early 1950s (first commercial vintage 1957), it gained a new lease of life in the 1990s as its quality and distinctive style became better understood. Proudly, a wine style that hasn’t succumbed to the dictates of fashion or commerce. St Henri is rich and plush when young, gaining soft, earthy, mocha-like characters with age. It is matured in an assortment of old large vats that allow the wine to develop, imparting minimal, if any oak character. Although a small proportion of cabernet may sneak into the blend, the focal point for St Henri remains shiraz.

Opulent dark fruit is supported by aromatic notes of spice distinctive to Shiraz. The wine is textured, layered and showing elegance and refined structure.