St Henri Shiraz

Deep dark ruby colour, opaque core, purple reflections, very delicate brightening on the rim. Attractive, with notes of dark berries, liquorice and ripe plums, nuances of blackberry confit, herbs and some nougat, with fresh zest in the background. Juicy, complex, fruity, ripe, vivid tannins, dark minerality and some dark chocolate on the finish, will benefit from bottle ageing.

Offers a little less of the classic St. Henri style – the comforting old lounge leather savouriness is now discreetly a little fresher – but the usual plush richness remains. The ’22 is down to earth in tone and delivery. It is a wine of the soil, dusty and hearty in blackberry, cassis fruits, red plum, spices, herbal notes and a light savouriness. A sprig of bay leaf adds a warm, familiar note. And yet the overall impact is one of freshness, poise, delivered via fine, firm tannins. It shows every sign of enjoying its drinking moment right now although St. Henri fans will know that it has considerable lasting qualities.