2010 Penfolds St Henri.

[tommyplussunny]

Good morning,

If anyone knows where to get some 2010 St Henri ( a 100 pointer ), I currenlty have 2 bottle on screwcap and would like to get more. Ideally to get some on cork finish. I am planning to get enough of them ( much more affordable to get 6 bottle of 2010 Gragne ) and open them in 10 , 20 ,30 years and then we could assess difference between cork and screw finish on the same wine. Thank you.

[cosmonaut]

It’s very thin on the ground. I undertook a fruitless search before stumbling across 2 bottles in SYD airport inbound duty free. Picked them up.

Perhaps some are held back for a DM cellar release.. if that’s the case, I’m sure the price will be exorbitant!

[tommyplussunny]

Hi Cosmo,

I have spent the last two hours reseaching for some. There is still a website having some in stock, but the price is $159 per bottle plus shipping.
I wish I had bought 20 of them on realase earlier this year.
http://www.mwwines.com.au/museum-wine-s ... 0201000001

[cosmonaut]

I wouldn't get too hung up about it mate, there's plenty of other nice wine out there!

[felixp]

tommy, it is freely available in Australia. Cantebury wines in Melbourne has it for $99. there are many other sources.

here in HK, easily available for $80, or $72 in a dozen. hasn't moved much here because most professional asian tasters rate it between 90-93 points. Given their independence, I would much rather believe them than a salesman from Penfolds.
Suckling does give it 98 though, but he is showing it next Friday at his extravaganza and prior to it's inclusion he rated it 95 hahaha

tommy, if you continually chase points, you are going to end up a broke and often-disappointed wine lover. The critic who did give it 100 points also gave the 96 Howard Park 100 points, and see the thread on the HP vertical below. I agree with that taster, 96 HP was never a great wine.

[Sigmamupi]

tommy, it is freely available in Australia. Cantebury wines in Melbourne has it for $99. there are many other sources.

here in HK, easily available for $80, or $72 in a dozen. hasn't moved much here because most professional asian tasters rate it between 90-93 points. Given their independence, I would much rather believe them than a salesman from Penfolds.
Suckling does give it 98 though, but he is showing it next Friday at his extravaganza and prior to it's inclusion he rated it 95 hahaha

tommy, if you continually chase points, you are going to end up a broke and often-disappointed wine lover. The critic who did give it 100 points also gave the 96 Howard Park 100 points, and see the thread on the HP vertical below. I agree with that taster, 96 HP was never a great wine.

The last point is very well made. The "critic" is actually an auction house employee, with the auction house owned by the Woolworths group which is a major client of TWE.

[felixp]

tommy, it is freely available in Australia. Cantebury wines in Melbourne has it for $99. there are many other sources.

here in HK, easily available for $80, or $72 in a dozen. hasn't moved much here because most professional asian tasters rate it between 90-93 points. Given their independence, I would much rather believe them than a salesman from Penfolds.
Suckling does give it 98 though, but he is showing it next Friday at his extravaganza and prior to it's inclusion he rated it 95 hahaha

tommy, if you continually chase points, you are going to end up a broke and often-disappointed wine lover. The critic who did give it 100 points also gave the 96 Howard Park 100 points, and see the thread on the HP vertical below. I agree with that taster, 96 HP was never a great wine.

The last point is very well made. The "critic" is actually an auction house employee, with the auction house owned by the Woolworths group which is a major client of TWE.

yea, you'd reckon the ACCC would finally get off it's lazy arse and do something useful for a change. The whole 2010 St Henri stinks of a scam. It became laughable when the equally unscrupulous Peter Gago said he couldn't buy a bottle wow, he must take the Australian wine consumers for complete idiots.

[Polymer]

To be fair.

Lisa Perotti Brown scored it 97. Winefront it was 96+

Tyson Stelzer scored it 97 (although it seems like a lot of things are 97+ by Stelzer).

I have no idea how they're coming up with the scores though...It was so young and felt very unfinished to me it was so young. Knowing the history of the wine I'm sure it'll age fantastically well..and maybe with a more trained palate it would be easier to assess something that tastes like a barrel sample to me....but in any case, I don't think it was a scam..but just the normal ridiculous score inflation.

I'm very certain, people score things ridiculously high because that gets their brand out...It creates buzz..even with people that don't agree...There is no incentive for them to do a scale that might seem normal aka: Doesn't leave them with no room to go anywhere...

[maybs]

I'm no expert but is it 100 points or even close? No.

Is it a good wine that will clearly age well? Yes. Seems to me to exude class and power.

Is it worth the $70 a bottle I paid for it? I'd be happy to buy another dozen at the price so yes, to me it definitely is.

[Mike Hawkins]

I spoke to Matthew Jukes at length about it, and he indicated it is one of the greatest Australian wines he's ever had (trumped by the 2010 Grange). Given he's a guy who's made a life out of critiquing Antipodean wines, that's good enough for me.

[felixp]

actually, my point was that the said critic shoulds have made it very clear, indeed CRYSTAL clear that he has a serious conflict of interest in assessing the wine, I am not aware of anywhere that he bothered to mention that.

Indeed it is a good wine, but the second best wine I have ever seen produced in Australia?? wow, I can only assume MJ has not seen too many Aussie classics to make a statement like that. Ask him to open a bottle of 71 Grange for a start, then we can get started on how many wines are better than it while we drink the Grange

And the behaviour of Peter Gago is deplorable, last time any behaviour like that was let go by the authorities was when tulips were a fashionable commodity~~~~~~~~~

[felixp]

and the said critic that gave it 100 points, what did he give the Grange? as mentioned elsewhere, when do we start with the 120 point scale?

[sjw_11]

Interesting to compare the reviews:

Huon Hooke - 94pts
Ranked 19 of 115 2010 Shiraz tasted from Barossa Valley
Deep, dark, dense red/purple colour. The nose is not minty but dense and earthy, black-fruited, some raspberry notes, very much a fruit-driven wine, but not grapy or fruity in that overt sense. It has some sapidity. The palate is full-bodied and rich, with ample tannins and density. A very good St Henri.

Andrew Caillard - 100pts
The finest vintage under this label since it was first released during the 1950s. With a history interlinked with the story of Grange, 2010 St Henri stands as the triumph of this years Penfolds luxury release. The wine is amazingly expressive with deep colour, superb fruit complexity, voluminous richness and supple textures. Dark chocolate, dark cherry, blackberry, mocha, roasted chestnut aromas are followed by a richly concentrated palate full of dark chocolate, paneforte flavours, generous sweet fruit notes and ripe loose-knit chocolaty tannins. It finishes graphite firm, long, and minerally. A gorgeous wine with all the hallmarks of long term ageing potential.

Lisa Perotti-Brown- 97+pts
Very deep purple-black in color and showing an attractive nose of warm blackcurrants, blueberries and licorice with a complex undercurrent of mocha, cedar, menthol and grilled meat, the full-bodied 2010 St Henri Shiraz is relatively rich in the mouth, offering tons of fruit structured by firm, fine tannins and refreshing acid. It finishes with great persistence. Drink it 2015 to 2030+.

Campbell Mattinson - 96pts
St Henri is the one Penfolds super premium we all should be following. This 2010 release is the best since the 2004. In short, its gorgeous. Im tempted to use the words Beg, Borrow or Steal. Nose, palate, tannin, finish; all are in full, healthy voice. Licorice, leather, plum, clove. Fine-grained tannin. Juicy orange-peel notes. Well stored, under screwcap, it will live for just about ever.

James Halliday - 97pts
Arguably the most anticipated Penfolds release of '14, this is a standout St Henri of the modern era. The gentle touch of maturation in large, old vats propels the purity and definition of a benchmark vintage. It's elegant and effortless, framing impeccable fruit in finely honed tannins; a shiraz of space, grace, and enduring longevity. Drink by 2040.

Julia Harding (for Jancis Robinson.com) - 18/20
‘Demands silence’, says Gago (at last, I thought). Delicate and fine aroma, blueberry, mulberry and sweet spice but peppery red fruited too. Juicy core enfolded by dry firm tannins, savoury and juicy. Very distinctive. No new oak. ‘A continnuum of flavour’ says Gago, who thinks it will rival the 1990 and the 1971. Effortless concentration. There’s a savoury and chocolate finish. And smoky spice. Powerful but refined. All fruit-derived tannins. Fabulous fruit.

Tyson Stelzer - 97pts
If you buy no other Penfolds this release, don’t miss St Henri. It’s as if the 2010 season was perfectly orchestrated for this large format, old oak style. A celebration of this great vintage, this is one of the finest under this label of the modern era, perhaps ever. The epitome of the St Henri style, effortless and elegant, with epic purity and definition, deep and full, yet in not way heavy or overbearing. Wonderfully crunchy and impeccable blackberry, blueberry and plum fruit is accented with notes of liquorice and dark chocolate, presented in a framework of beautifully crafted, finely honed tannins and excellent acid profile. It has space and grace, while lacking nothing in presence and structure, propagating with line and length nothing short of breathtaking. Wow. The price hasn’t moved in three years, and long may it stay this way. 100% shiraz from the Barossa Valley, McLaren Vale, Coonawarra, Adelaide Hills, Wrattonbully and Clare Valley, matured for 12 months in old, large 1460L vats. Drink 2020 - 2040.

Nick Stock - 98pts
The hero of this year’s release is a majestic 2010 St. Henri Shiraz. A stalwart of a more traditional style and matured in large format (1460 litre) oak, it is a wine that showcases the inherent quality of the 2010 harvest. It’s a sure-footed wine that will age gracefully and, with so many of the other wines creeping northwards in price, it is also one of the great value wines at US$90

Matthew Jukes -20/20 (100pts)
I felt palpably nervous before tasting this wine. To my mind, it was the most important wine of the whole event. I have been waiting for this taste for four years. Harvest conditions meant that this had to be a great vintage for St. Henri. But how great? That was the only question. I never will wines to win 20s in my notes. They just happen without me questioning it. Perfect wines don’t have to try too hard. For me, this is the finest young St. Henri I have ever tasted. It is phenomenal in every way. I cannot imagine how it could be bettered. I like it more than the fêted 1990 and 1971. Perfect 20/20 ++

Tony Love - 99pts
A multi-regional, 100% knockout SA shiraz that excites at every step, the aromas saturating the nose high and low with ripe, vibrant black fruits then carrying forward with wilder, redder fruits hitting top notes as well, the texture engaging and timelessly contemporary. Stunning wine that will delight for decades.

James Suckling - 98pts
A rare vintage of only shiraz in this wine, the sourcing is Barossa Valley, McLaren Vale, Coonawarra, Adelaide Hills, Wrattonbully and Clare Valley. A very handy vintage of this classically styled Penfolds red, bright hearty fruit dominates amid earth, tar and dark nutty elements, boot polish too, really deep. The palate has seamless flow and build, immense concentration is at play, dark liquorice, blackberry and plum, this is swathed in deeply ripe, smooth but strong tannin. Dark plum flavours build, the finish holds and holds – terrific length and depth here, this will go down as one of the greatest ever St. Henri releases.


Also, while searching just found half bottles available from the Sunday Times Wine Club (of all places) for £35!! Not surprisingly, they still have stock left...

[sjw_11]

actually, my point was that the said critic shoulds have made it very clear, indeed CRYSTAL clear that he has a serious conflict of interest in assessing the wine, I am not aware of anywhere that he bothered to mention that.

And the behaviour of Peter Gago is deplorable, last time any behaviour like that was let go by the authorities was when tulips were a fashionable commodity~~~~~~~~~

Agreed

The whole Andrew Caillard issue raises a fair question about whether an MW who plans to write and propogate reviews should ever work for a retailer?

[tommyplussunny]

Interesting to compare the reviews:

Also, while searching just found half bottles available from the Sunday Times Wine Club (of all places) for £35!! Not surprisingly, they still have stock left...

Hi SJW_11,

Thank you for your help , the 2010 st Henri at Sunday Times wine club is a half bottle I think.

Regards.

[sjw_11]

Interesting to compare the reviews:

Also, while searching just found half bottles available from the Sunday Times Wine Club (of all places) for £35!! Not surprisingly, they still have stock left...

Hi SJW_11,

Thank you for your help , the 2010 st Henri at Sunday Times wine club is a half bottle I think.

Regards.

Sorry Tommy, I did say that... I got very excited at first until I realised that too!

[tunetown]

Winestar shows some in stock under screw cap. I bought 2 dozen on release at $68 and they are resting nicely in the cellar. I had a mate bring over a taster and this is an excellent wine that will age magnificently.

[Sigmamupi]

Good morning,

If anyone knows where to get some 2010 St Henri ( a 100 pointer ), I currenlty have 2 bottle on screwcap and would like to get more. Ideally to get some on cork finish. I am planning to get enough of them ( much more affordable to get 6 bottle of 2010 Gragne ) and open them in 10 , 20 ,30 years and then we could assess difference between cork and screw finish on the same wine. Thank you.

I assume you are in Australia? Forget the 100 point nonsense but is still a pretty good wine. If you happen to have a BWS near you with a better than normal range, check it. They have a current 30 per cent sale (until Thursday) and 2010 St Henri comes down to $77 in a 6 pack if you are lucky enough for them to have any. I tasted and liked it on original release but didn't buy so I couldn't resist the 6 bottles (under screwcap) in my local BWS.

[griff]

So I take it that it is a decent wine. That what I thought when I tried it at least.

[TravisW]

So Caillard says "The finest vintage under this label since it was first released during the 1950s.".

It's ridiculous statements like this which gives me an attack of the stomach cramps.

[griff]

So Caillard says "The finest vintage under this label since it was first released during the 1950s.".

It's ridiculous statements like this which gives me an attack of the stomach cramps.

its what makes me want to say - prove it

[Redav]

I tasted and liked it on original release but didn't buy so I couldn't resist the 6 bottles (under screwcap) in my local BWS.

BWS has St Henri? Gee, I think I've only ever seen the small shots next to Woolie's, never one with a decent range so I never bother with them.

[Redav]

So, I couldn't help but notice that this has reappeared and it's discounted price is 2.5 times what punters were getting it for when first released. I had hoped to pick up one but not now.

/threadmine

[rooman]

So, I couldn't help but notice that this has appeared and it's discounted price is 2.5 times what punters were getting it for when released. I had hoped to pick up one but not now.

/threadmine

Redav

I think something is missing?

[rooman]

separately i'm interested to know if anyone has opened a bottle recently?

[Cactus]

I too would like to know. But more experienced hands than I suggest it come into its own at 20yo.

[Mahmoud Ali]

I spoke to Matthew Jukes at length about it, and he indicated it is one of the greatest Australian wines he's ever had (trumped by the 2010 Grange). Given he's a guy who's made a life out of critiquing Antipodean wines, that's good enough for me.

Lisa Perotti Brown scored it 97. Winefront it was 96+

Tyson Stelzer scored it 97 (although it seems like a lot of things are 97+ by Stelzer).

I have no idea how they're coming up with the scores though...It was so young and felt very unfinished to me it was so young. Knowing the history of the wine I'm sure it'll age fantastically well..and maybe with a more trained palate it would be easier to assess something that tastes like a barrel sample to me....but in any case, I don't think it was a scam..but just the normal ridiculous score inflation.

Let me add that Jeremy Oliver rated it 97 points (he also rated the 2002 97 points and the 2004 one less point), the Wine Enthusiast 95 points, the Wine Spectator 95 points, Steven Tanzer's International Cellar 93 points, and Wine & Spirits 92 points. Altogether, from a wide range of critics, a high scoring wine indicative I would say of a very nice wine. Surely they cannot all be wrong.

As to how they reached such a high score one has to look at how critics score wines. From Robert Parker's wine buyer's guide (1989):

"In terms of awarding points, my scoring system gives a wine 50 points to begin with. The wine's general colour and appearance merit up to 5 points. Since most wines today have been well made thanks to modern technology and the increased use of professional oenologists, most tend to receive at least 4, often 5 points. The aroma and bouquet merit up to 15 points. Obviously, the intensity of the aroma, and bouquet are important, and equally so is the wine's cleanliness. The flavor (sic) and finish merit up to 20 points, and again, intensity of flavour, balance, cleanliness, and depth and length on the palate are all important considerations when giving out points. Finally, the overall quality level or potential for furthur evolution and improvement -- aging -- merit up to 10 points."

Note the all important 10 points for "evolution and improvement". Some might say this is wriggle room, however I believe that Parker, as well as other critic who use virtually the same system, are making an estimate on the balance between depth of fruit and tannin (balance and structure if you will) that will propel the wine to a better drinking place. In essence, these points are given for how the wine will drink in future. Thus a wine like St Henri is being rewarded for being one that will get better with time, and one will not derive the 97 points of drinking pleasure if you drink it now, especially in the intermediate phase when it is likely the fruit has diminished but the tannins have not subsided, or as some people refer as the dumb phase.

Regardless of the points, just look at Jancis Robinson's comments: "All Shiraz. Some Wrattonbully fruit. Sold in less than a week in Australia. Very dark crimson. Very complete. Very sweet and medicinal as well as freshness on the finish. Wonderfully complex and really rather refined. Muscular and youthful but hugely impressive." Isn't that enough to go on, especially when one knows that St Henri has a reputation of evolving gracefully.

So, I couldn't help but notice that this has appeared and it's discounted price is 2.5 times what punters were getting it for when released. I had hoped to pick up one but not now.

A big reason to buy early if you can, especially for reputable or iconic wines, otherwise one could be looking at scarcity and or high prices. A bird in hand as they say.

Quite some time back, late one evening, I saw some 2004 St Henri priced at about $45 but did not immediately buy it. Back then, when it was a near current vintage I thought it might be underpriced by about $20. By the time I got around to returning to the store the few bottles were gone. Fast forward to early last year and I stumbled on a couple of bottles of the same 2004, this time for $55, but there was no hesitation.

Cheers ............. Mahmoud.

[Redav]

I think something is missing?

Yup, good pick. It makes a little more sense now

A big reason to buy early if you can, especially for reputable or iconic wines, otherwise one could be looking at scarcity and or high prices. A bird in hand as they say.

Yup, I completely missed the boat on this one. I hadn't thought of picking up anniversary year wines until a few months after this had dried up.

[Hunter]

Oh god, looking in my cellar i purchased 14 on release. Half s.c half cork. Too much shiraz

[Mahmoud Ali]

Imagine my surprise when I saw this pricing anomoly:

Bin 389 - $120
Bin 407 - $125
St Henri - $90

Same store, but don't remember the vintages.