Penfolds Shiraz South Australia St. Henri 2012

98 points James Suckling: "A highly-anticipated wine from vintage 2012, this doesn't disappoint. Just 3% cabernet, quite tightly-knit red fruit, blackberry, dried red currants, goji berries and a subtle undertone of earthiness. The palate has an entirely different texture to the other reds, it is all silk, tannins are polished to a bright, lustrous texture, slippery, even, deceptively powerful, plush, pure and long. Finishes bright and expansive, this is one of the great St. Henri releases! You can drink it now, but those who wait until after 2020 will be happiest. (1/27/16)"

97 points Sarah Ahmed (Decanter): "Labelled ‘Claret’ until 1989 says less about St Henri’s traditional dash of Cabernet and more about the elegance which derives from maturation in large, old 1,460 litre oak vats. In 2012, a 100% Shiraz, rolling acidity and fine tannins bring great fluidity to its juicy, very pure and bright blackberry and raspberry fruit. This elegant, supple Shiraz reveals subtle anise and leather notes on a long, beautifully balanced finish. Seamless. Drinking Window: 2017-2032. (6/30/17)"

96 points Lisa Perrotti-Brown (Wine Advocate): "The 2012 Shiraz St Henri is very impressive with its elegant, sophisticated and well-crafted expression of this superb vintage. As always, there is no new oak employed here, simply 50+ year old large oak vats. This vintage has a dollop (3%) Cabernet Sauvignon, contributing a lovely cassis lift to the heady perfume. Deep garnet-purple colored, it displays a gorgeous nose of commendable purity and intensity with notes of red and blackcurrants, freshly crushed blackberries, menthol, cinnamon stick, bacon fat and cloves. Rich and already expressive on the palate, it is nonetheless built for the long haul with firm, ripe and grainy tannins carrying the fruit to a long and layered finish. This should be a long-lived St Henri that should cellar gracefully for at least 2 decades. Drink: 2016-2035. (9/29/15)"

96 points James Halliday (Wine Companion): "Has a whisk of 3% cabernet to accompany the shiraz, the grapes from the Barossa Valley, McLaren Vale, Adelaide Hills, Robe and the Clare Valley. In the manner of all St Henris, matured for 13 months in 50yo oak vats (1460l). This is an exercise on a chequer board of savoury/smoky black fruits with firm, but polished, tannins. A great St Henri that will come into its own in a bare minimum of 10 years, and live long thereafter. Special. Closure: Screwcap. 14.5% alcohol. Drink by 2047. (9/25/15)"