St Henri is a time-honoured and alternative expression of Shiraz, and an intriguing counterpoint to Grange. It is unusual among high quality Australian red wines as it does not rely on any new oak. Proudly, a wine style that hasn't succumbed to the dictates of fashion or commerce. St Henri is rich and plush when young, gaining soft, earthy, mocha-like characters as it ages. It is matured in old, 1,460 litre vats that allow the wine to develop, imparting minimal, if any oak character. Although a small proportion of Cabernet is sometimes used to improve structure, the focal point for St Henri remains Shiraz. Nose Lifted, racy. Rhÿne-ish at first, South Australian upon sitting. Bountiful aromatics ascend " initially redcurrant, cranberry, Christmas cake mix, and then the liberation of citrus (lime peel), fennel and olive. Middle Eastern spices also present " sweet, not savoury (incl. cinnamon, nutmeg). And, not unexpected, something not present - oak! Palate Svelte. Nevertheless, propels assertive tannins that build " sheeted/layered in configuration. To please all tastes - the sweet " zabaglione, custard, raw chocolate (cocoa); and the savoury " (bone) marrow, star anise. Lingers, and certainly leaves a most appealing 'residual' impression for quite some time after ingestion.