Description
1996 Penfolds St. Henri, like any vintage of Penfolds Grange, has built a tradition over many decades as a wine renowned for its depth of fruit flavour and longevity. The St. Henri style, made from a blend of shiraz and cabernet sauvignon grapes, emphasises fruit character. The grapes are selected for elegance rather than intensity and, in contrast to other Penfolds reds, oak character is not an important element of the style.
1996 was a great vintage throughout South Australia and in particular for Penfolds. Many collectors now prefer Penfolds 1996 wines more so than the 1998’s.
The 1996 Penfolds St Henri is a 100% shiraz wine, some vintages see a small portion of cabernet sauvignon added to the final blend. Fruit was sourced from the Barossa Valley, Adelaide Hills and McLaren Vale. Matured in large old oak vats for 12 months, the 1996 Penfolds St Henri should cellar comfortably until 2021 but let’s be honest, if this isn’t still drinkable in the year 2031 then it should have been labelled something else. The 1996 vintage weighs in at 14% alc/vol, this is a great St Henri.