Tasted at the “Rewards of Patience” vertical in Berlin. The 2008 St. Henri Shiraz is a blend of 90% Shiraz and 10% Cabernet. Peter Gago said that 90% of Barossa fruit was picked well before 3rd March before the heat wave. Still, it is patently more gregarious, outgoing and voluptuous than the 2007 with copious layers of black cherry, cassis, cedar and just a hint of fresh beetroot. The palate is full-bodied with a dense carapace of primal blackberry and cassis fruit. This is a little monolithic at the moment but it is well balanced and offers great delineation, which renders it controlled and refined on the powerful finish when it could have been overwhelming. Looking back, the 2008 errs towards Bordeaux for inspiration. Once again, this has great potential, but it will need 15-years in bottle. Drink 2024-2045. Tasted June 2012.