The Sleeper Shiraz

A wine deep in character, full and round, Samsara was made of Syrah grapes and lightly filtered after ageing slowly in barrels for 12 to 16 months.

Delicate notes of black-current fruit intermingle with floral hints of violets and a sprinkling of white pepper. The tannins are soft and supple, adding a slightly earthy texture to the wine.

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.

This intense dark coloured wine has a pungent rich nose of liquorice and black fruits with nuances of cloves, thyme and white pepper. With the aromas being so expressive, one would expect a bold palate, but on the contrary. Being full-bodied and well-structured these aromas are tamed and lay to rest on a layered palate that has a lot to give. With a long and lingering finish, this wine will ask questions of why you haven’t purchased more.