Ranked #43 of 403 2014 Shiraz from South Australia
95/100
5 Stars
Huon Hooke
Deep, dense red colour with a good tinge of purple; the bouquet very sweet plum, with a sooty, earthy overlay. The wine is medium to full-bodied and remarkably softly-textured, with density and fleshy extract, and a very savoury countenance. Cocoa powder, tar, licorice and spice, especially on the finish and aftertaste. Long, long carry. Lovely wine, the opposite of what might be termed a fruit-bomb. (Barossa Valley, Adelaide Hills, Southern Fleurieu, Wrattonbully, McLaren Vale. 12 months in large, very old oak vats.)
Tasted: 29/09/2017
Drink: 2017 to 2047
94 Points Robert Parker
This bottle was opened in front of me and served without decanting. Containing 4% Cabernet Sauvignon and with a deep garnet-purple color, the 2014 Shiraz St Henriz has a relatively shy nose of black plums, black cherries and mulberries with nuances of underbrush, fruit cake and damp soil. The full-bodied palate has satisfying richness, with firm, rounded tannins supporting the earthy fruit layers, finishing with good depth and persistence.
Source: Robert Parker (Robert Parker Wine Advocate) by Lisa Perrotti-Brown. October, 2017
95 Points James Halliday
Matured for 12 month in 50+yo large oak vats. No barrel fermentation, no oak flavours of any description, but none needed. This is all about fruit purity, shiraz with the faintest damask of blackcurrant wrapped around it. More than any other of the top range of the Penfolds red wine hierarchy, will repay patience. Drink to 2044.
James Halliday. November, 2021
97 Points Tyson Stelzer
Barossa Valley, Adelaide Hills, Southern Fleurieu, Wrattonbully, McLaren Vale. 96% shiraz, 4% cabernet sauvignon. 12 months in 50+ year old large oak vats. A polished and effortless blueberry, satsuma plum and black olive integrity define a St Henri of enduring, fine-grained tannin structure, undeviating line and grand persistence. Nuances of pepper offer dimension and intrigue. There is an evenness and an effortless focus that set this vintage apart among the great St Henris, approachable from the outset and yet possessing surprising endurance. Drink 2019 - 2034.
Source: Tyson Stelzer.