Ranked #10 of 17 1996 Shiraz from South Australia
91/100
4 Stars
Huon Hooke
Roasted meats, complex; nice, ripe fruit aromas here, very good. Palate is rich and deep but a trifle firm and unyielding. Needs more time yet. Now to 20 years.
Tasted: 29/09/2007
Drink: N/A
95 Points James Halliday
I am singularly unconvinced that St Henri should be one sixth of the price of Grange, particularly with a classic vintage such as this. Piquantly ripe and fragrant, it is fruit-driven from start to finish (still matured in large, old oak vats), with a smooth and supple fresh berry palate and plush tannins. Drink to 2020.
James Halliday. January, 2022
95 Points nicholas.enge_19549
At its best after four hours in the decanter, and beyond that, I can't say, as it was all gone. After four had settled, smoothed, and unwound. All about the fruit, though elegance and pure ripe flavours more than power. Beautiful dark berries, mostly blueberry. Superb balance and structure. Chalky tannins. Exceptionally long finish. Earlier in its decant was still outstanding, albeit more rich, intense and peppery. Hope I get to try this again in five, ten, perhaps even fifteen and twenty years from now. Will only get better, I think. Cellar for at least 5 years
December, 2011