97 Points — The Anti-Grange: Penfolds' Old-School Shiraz, Matured in Seasoned Oak for Pure, Savoury Power

My Wine Man on Penfolds St Henri

St Henri is one of the great contrarians of Australian wine. Where Penfolds Grange is built on new American oak and sheer concentration, St Henri takes the opposite path: a multi-region South Australian Shiraz matured in large, seasoned old vats that add almost no oak flavour, letting the fruit and the savoury, earthy character of the wine speak without makeup. Penfolds has made it in this style since the 1950s, and it remains one of the most distinctive and age-worthy reds in the country. The 2013 is a 97-point release, classic in shape and built for the cellar.

Tasting Notes

Deep, dark crimson. The nose is old-school and savoury: dark plum and blackberry over loam, dried herbs, licorice, and the gamey, aged-meat complexity that defines mature St Henri. On the palate it is medium to full-bodied, with grainy, fine-knit tannins and no oak veneer to get in the way. Dark fruit, earth, and spice carry through a long, structured finish that will only grow more complex with time in bottle.

Style & Drinking Window

Medium to full-bodied, savoury and structured, with fine grainy tannins and bright acidity. Drinking well now with decanting, but built for the long haul and will reward a decade or more in the cellar. Serve at 16–18°C.

Food Pairing

A magnificent match for Grass-Fed Cape Grim Rib-Eye Steak from My Meat Man. Dry-aged char-grilled with bone-marrow butter meets earthy, savoury St Henri depth.

Why This Is a Smart Buy

At HKD 888, the 2013 St Henri is a 97-point wine from Australia's most iconic producer, in a style that has no real equivalent and a track record of ageing for decades. For collectors who already know Grange, St Henri is the connoisseur's Penfolds: lower profile, just as serious, and a wine that rewards patience.

Looking for a Different Style?

2018 Rockford Basket Press Shiraz — old-school Barossa Shiraz of cult status.
2019 Teusner The Wark Family Shiraz — Barossa Shiraz peer.
2022 Mount Langi Ghiran Cliff Edge Shiraz — cool-climate Grampians Shiraz.