Carol’s Journey Through Henschke

29 Jan 2025
The vines to Henschke Estate

 

Exploring the Iconic Henschke Estate

I was so lucky to visit the beautiful Barossa Valley in December. One of the highlights of my trip was a tour around the iconic Henschke estate, including a trip around the incredibly precious Vineyards and the original cellar. We also had a sneak preview of the innovative new winemaking facilities being built.

 

Henskhe Hill of Grace 2018 BottleHill of Grace: A Vineyard with History in Every Sip

The Hill of Grace vineyard was astounding as one might expect from such a premium wine. These vines were first planted in 1860, and some of those original vines still exist, gnarly and wild but still producing fruit. We tried the 2018 vintage of Hill of Grace. This is considered by many to be one of Australia’s greatest red wines. There is a reason we get a tiny allocation! It is biodynamically farmed, super concentrated sweet fruit, but not cloying.  Lovely refreshing acidity, the tannins are hardly noticeable, and it is one of the smoothest wines I have ever tried. Jancis Robinson says “it tastes like a vineyard in a bottle” and that sums it up beautifully! If you want to splash some cash on a truly special wine, I recommend you seek this out, whatever vintage you can find.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mount Edelstone: Australia’s Longest-Running Single Vineyard Shiraz

Fossile of the a Henschke barrel

In 1958 fourth-generation winemaker Cyril Henschke made the first single vineyard Shiraz bottling. Cyril then purchased the nearby 16-hectare ‘Mount Edelstone’ vineyard in 1974, from which he had already been buying fruit and making ‘MountEdelstone’ Shiraz for over 20 years. The 2019 vintage represents its 67th release, making it Australia’s longest consecutively made single vineyard Shiraz. The 2018 Mount Edlestone was complex, multi-layered with fruit bursting from the glass. There was a herbaceous note, but the wine was mouth filling, velvety, but it had some oomph with the ripe but crunchy tannins. Really fantastic.

 

Carol at HenschkeThe Cyril Cabernet Sauvignon: A Tribute to a Pioneer

The  ‘Cyril’ Cabernet Sauvignon was planted in Eden Valley, a cool vineyard site in 1976. This elegant wine was named in honour of Cyril Henschke when he passed away in 1979. This wine is a very different style, savoury and floral, with black fruits, plum and dark cherries. Typical cabernet cedar notes, sweet spice and even chocolate. This would definitely stand up to many a left bank Bordeaux style wine.

 

 

 

 

Keyneton Euphonium: A Classic Blend with a Modern Twist

Other parcels of Shiraz are blended with Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc to make ‘Keyneton Euphonium’, which Jancis Robinson describes as “an Australian classic at a less than iconic price.” The wine is deep crimson in colour, with spicy aromas of blackberry, blueberry, black pepper and anise on the nose. This wine is rich and complex, with dark forest fruits and spiced pepper, all set of by the fresh acidity, making it so easy to reach for another glass.

an Australian classic at a less than iconic price

A Legacy of Excellence

Henskhe BarrelsHenschke has been under the stewardship of 5th generation of winemakers Stephen and Prue Henschke since 1979. The family also buy fruit from growers they have worked with for decades. They use this to make ‘Henry’s Seven’ Shiraz, Grenache and Mataro, sourced from a few growers whose vines range from 10 to 70 years old. This is a delicious softer, early drinking style and amazing value.