"One of the finest releases ever of this benchmark shiraz, with an alluring and slightly meaty fragrance of dark plums, blackberries, dark chocolate, backed by spicy and smoky undertones. Made in the traditional velvet-smooth Australian ‘burgundy’ style, it’s soft and juicy, with a deeply flavoured and layered palate whose deep, dark core of vibrant dark fruit flavours is tightly wrapped in fine, approachable tannins. Marvellously long, it finishes with freshness and acidity, with underlying hints of mineral. (Barossa Valley, McLaren Vale, Clare Valley, 19.2/97, drink 2022-2032+)"  97 pts, Jeremy Oliver's On Wine, 04.14.06.

"A classic effort, the 2002 Shiraz St. Henri (91% Shiraz and 9% Cabernet Sauvignon) was aged 14 months in old 1,460 liter vats. First introduced in 1953, the St. Henri offering is considered to be a quintessential old Southern Australian-styled red. The 2002 was sourced from the Barossa, McLaren Vale, Clare Valley, and the Fleurieu Peninsula. This stunningly rich, distinctive Shiraz offers up scents of Provencal herbs, bay leaves, blackberries, black currants, new saddle leather, and loads of meaty characteristics. Rich, texturally opulent, and soft, this heady offering should drink well for 10-12 years."  92 pts, Robert Parker's The Wine Advocate, October 2006.

By Josh Raynolds
Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar, Jul/Aug 06
"Deep ruby. Powerful cherry, blackberry, blackcurrant, tobacco and Asian spices on the nose, with lovely floral accents. Lush, superconcentrated and remarkably deep, showing an almost candied sweetness to the dark berry flavors, along with fruitcake and licorice notes. This is sweeter than any vintage of St. Henri I've seen to this point. Finishes with supple tannins and superb length. In the current batch of Penfolds releases, this one gives the new Grange some stiff competition. 93 points."