Is St Henri Australia’s Most Trustworthy Red Wine?
Penfolds: The Aussie Icon
When you hear the word Penfolds, one name instantly comes to mind: Grange. It’s the heavyweight champion of Australian wine, the bottle that made the world sit up and take notice of Aussie Shiraz. But let’s be real—most of us aren’t dropping $1,000 on a bottle every time we want to impress at a dinner party.
That’s where St Henri Shiraz steps in. At around $120 retail (or less if you catch it on sale), it’s not cheap, but it’s also not outrageous. More importantly, it’s a name that carries respect. You bring St Henri to Christmas lunch, and suddenly your uncle who “only drinks Shiraz” is nodding in approval. It’s that kind of wine—dependable, classy, and instantly recognised.
The History of St Henri Shiraz
St Henri first appeared in 1888, created by Leon Edmond Mazure. It may have been named after his son Henri or his wife Philomene Henriette—no one really knows. Like all good wine stories, it disappeared for a while before making a big comeback in 1953, thanks to Penfolds winemaker John Davoren.
Fun fact: when St Henri re-launched, it was priced the same as Grange. Today, Grange has skyrocketed in value, but St Henri has carved out a lane as Penfolds’ more approachable icon.
Originally, St Henri was a blend of Cabernet and Mataro, but it’s evolved into Shiraz with a touch of Cabernet Sauvignon for added structure.
What Makes St Henri Different from Grange?
ere’s where the two Penfolds heavyweights diverge:
- Oak Influence
- Grange is aged in new American oak barrels, giving it power, structure, and longevity.
- St Henri is matured in huge 1,460-litre old vats (some over 50 years old), meaning the oak influence is subtle. The fruit shines front and centre.
- Style
- Grange: Muscular, bold, oak-driven, often needing years in the cellar.
- St Henri: Plush, generous, fruit-forward, approachable when young but still capable of ageing for decades.
This use of old oak makes St Henri stand out as one of the most elegant and balanced Penfolds reds.
Tasting St Henri: Smooth Operator
Open a bottle of St Henri, and you’ll quickly understand its reputation. Expect plush dark fruits like plums and blackberries, floral hints of violets, touches of chocolate, and a whisper of leather. It’s smooth, round, and harmonious—nothing feels out of place.
Take the 2012 vintage, for example. At around 13 years old, it’s in its prime drinking window: velvety fruit, soft tannins, and a long, elegant finish. It’s delicious now, but could easily go another decade. That’s what we mean by trustworthy.
Why St Henri Is So Trustworthy?
So, what exactly makes St Henri Australia’s most trustworthy red wine? A few key reasons:
- Consistency – Year after year, you know what you’re getting.
- Value for Quality – At around $120, it punches far above its price point.
- Versatility – Drink it young or age it for 50 years. Either way, it rewards you.
- Reputation – Mention St Henri, and wine lovers nod in respect.
- Generosity – Plush fruit, smooth tannins, and elegance make it universally appealing.
Grange vs St Henri: The Showdown
Grange is the superstar—the blockbuster. St Henri is the trusted partner. One demands patience; the other gives pleasure now while still rewarding cellaring.
Grange is all oak, muscle, and intensity. St Henri is plush, elegant, and smooth. Think of Grange as a heavyweight boxer, and St Henri as a ballet dancer with power behind the grace.
The Final Verdict
So, is St Henri Australia’s most trustworthy red wine? We think so. It’s consistent, approachable, and carries a reputation that makes it a safe bet for any occasion. It may not always dazzle with shock-and-awe complexity, but that’s the point—it’s reliable.
Bring it to a family dinner, cellar it for a special occasion, or open it on a casual Friday night. St Henri always delivers.
Corkscrews out of 10? A solid 8. Dependable, generous, and always respected—exactly what you want from a trustworthy red wine.
Click here to watch the full episode where The Wined Up Podcast talk in detail about why Penfolds St Henri is Australia’s Most Trustworthy Red Wine.
Attribution
2024, Lawsons, 2x Old Penfolds – 1969 Grange & 1974 St Henri, Lawsons, 11 July 2024, https://www.lawsons.com.au/auction-lot/2x-old-penfolds-1969-grange-1974-st-henri_5644B0DB73