A relative newcomer to the portfolio, this is just the 7th release of this Shiraz. It is from vines in excess of fifty years of age, from a vineyard in the cooler sector of the Mount Lofty Ranges in the Eden Valley, which sits at around 500 metres above sea level (Mt Edelstone and Hill of Grace are both around 400 metres).
This wine has such an exciting nose, with a mix of red fruits but also redolent of black cherry pie. There is early complexity here and this seems not unlike drinking silk. Such projection, finesse and immaculate balance. As the wine opens up, we see more notes of mocha, delicatessen meats, bay leaves, woodsmoke, cassis and licorice.

As with all these wines, the oak is so deftly handled that it is almost transparent. The sleekest of tannins here, this is a wine which lingers with intent. Complete – there is not so much as a hiccup. Twenty years, if you must, easy. 97.

Medium deep crimson, Intense blackberry, dark chocolate herb garden aromas with mocha, vanilla notes. Smooth, dense and compact with abundant blackberry, praline flavours, well balanced espresso, marzipan notes, attractive mid-palate viscosity and plentiful fine bittersweet, touch ferruginous tannins. Finishes firm and tight with persistent dark berry/ brambly/ liquorice notes. A distinctive, sturdy and elemental Eden Valley Shiraz that should unfold with further cellaring. 14% alc Drink 2028 -2045

Very deep, saturated colour with strong purple tints; there are intense sage and raspberry/mulberry aromas while the palate is wonderfully deep and plush with masses of fruit flavours and those dried herb nuances embrace oregano, thyme, sage and more. The wine is very full in the mouth with impressive concentration and a voluminous core of fruit sweetness allied to abundant tannins of a velvety suppleness. Gorgeous shiraz. (Vines planted by Cyril Henschke in 1968 on the Henschke centenary)

A deeply brooding wine with aromas of plums, mocha, spices, and dried herbs. The palate is full-bodied with velvety tannins and bright acidity, giving notes of mulberries, cassia bark, blackcurrants and rose petals. Very refined, balanced and pure, with an underlying power. Drink or hold. Screw cap.

This Shiraz is named in tribute to Johann Christian Henschke, a Silesian wheelwright and stonemason who planted the family’s first vineyards in the Eden Valley. Although it hails from a warm vineyard, planted in 1968, the palate is vivid and refreshing, packed with raspberry, blackberry and blueberry fruits, leavened by peppery spice, bright tamarind and an almost salty note. The tannins are rounded and plush, lending just enough grip. Very long and layered. Utterly delicious and amazingly approachable. Harvested 13-16 April and aged in 10% new and 90% seasoned oak hogsheads (82% French, 18% American) for 18 months.