Penfolds St. Henri Shiraz 1999

"The St. Henri uses old oak casks, which impart little flavor, putting the emphasis on the fruit. In the seamless 1999, intoxicating ripe blackberry, cherry, leather and pepper flavors swamp the finish, leaving one begging for another sip."
-Wine Spectator

"This Shiraz is aged in enormous old oak vats and, as such, doesn't offer up the toasty, caramelly flavors that we often associate with Oz Shiraz. Instead, the fruit speaks for itself - the palate is showing mostly black plum and black cherry, with chewy tannins and a little earthiness on the finish. It's an excellent, solid wine, best drink now through 2008."
-Wine Enthusiast

Dense red with purple hues near rim. Lively, rich and concentrated berry characters leap from the glass - raspberry and blueberry aromas abound. Complex spices - cinnamon/ginger augment a fruit-cake mixture impression that sits comfortably aside scents of savoury roast cold lamb and other charcuterie delights. Tight, complex and stylish. Dark plum with prune beneath, the fruits are courted by enticing anise/licorice and fennel subtleties. Fruit-derived, pronounced, tight angular tannins suggest this appealing palate, moderate in alcohol and extraction, is but an infant. Excellent balance/mouthfeel - a St Henri trademark.

Serving and Cellaring Suggestions: St Henri is generally a medium-term cellaring prospect, although particularly good vintages - like the 1996 - show longer-term potential. Decant before serving with roast beef or home-made beef Wellington.