Henschke Tappa Pass Shiraz 2006

Maker: The prestigious Australian winery Henschke has remained a family-owned establishment for over 153 years and six generations. Situated in Keyneton, South Australia, within the esteemed Eden Valley wine region, Henschke proudly stands as a distinguished member of Australia’s First Families of Wine. Since its inception in 1862, when Johann Christian Henschke planted a modest vineyard in Keyneton, the Henschke family has continuously crafted exceptional wines, forging a legacy of excellence with vineyards in the Eden Valley, Barossa Valley and Adelaide Hills, including acclaimed single-vineyards, Hill of Grace and Mount Edelstone. The fifth-generation winemaker Stephen Carl Henschke and his viticulturist wife Prue took over the operation of the winery in 1979 and they are recognised around the world for their exceptional quality wines, innovative spirit, focus on restoring native vegetation, organic and biodynamic practices in the vineyard. Johann Stephen Henschke, the eldest of Stephen and Prue’s three children has become the sixth generation member of the Henschke family since 1983. With the background of higher education in wine making, viticulture and oenology, Johann is now based at the family winery as winemaker and viticulturist while playing an important role of transferring his skill set and knowledge from the fifth to sixth generation. As the next generation prepares to navigate the well-documented challenges that lie ahead, Johann recognizes the indispensability of innovation and meticulous strategic planning. However, amidst these considerations, he firmly believes in upholding the time-honoured winemaking techniques that have been cherished by the Henschke family for generations. By ensuring that the legacy of Henschke is nurtured with the same prudence and care as it has always been, Johann and his peers can pass on a heritage that will endure and command the same esteemed reputation that it enjoys today. Henschke’s commitment to excellence and sustainable wine production has garnered well-deserved recognition and accolades. In 2021, the winery was honoured as the Wine Enthusiast New World Winery of the Year, a testament to their exceptional craftsmanship and dedication to pushing the boundaries of winemaking in the New World. Furthermore, Henschke was also named the Winery of the Year by the prestigious Halliday Wine Companion, solidifying their position as a leader in the industry. Additionally, Henschke’s unwavering commitment to sustainability and environmentally conscious practices has been acknowledged with the prestigious Robert Parker Wine Advocate Green Emblem. This recognition highlights their remarkable efforts in reducing environmental impact while producing outstanding wines. Henschke’s unwavering pursuit of excellence and dedication to sustainable practices make them a true icon in the world of wine. Vineyard: Stepping back in time to 2006, the vintage shaped up as another high quality year but with only average yields in Eden Valley and the Adelaide Hills. After a late break in mid-June last year, winter and spring rains were some of the best for years in the lead-up to flowering in early summer. The vines were vigorous and lush at first but slowly underwent mild stress during berry development, helping to keep the berry size small. Brief heat waves occurred in late January and mid-February but were early enough not to affect quality, with only minor sunburn on exposed fruit. After a warmer than usual spell in late March and with the weather firing up again, picking continued with shiraz from Hill of Grace, Mount Edelstone and Eden Valley. Style/Cuvee: Tappa Pass is sourced from up to 70-year-old, low-yielding shiraz vines from a selection of historical grower vineyards at Tappa Pass and Light Pass, growing in low-fertility Neoproterozoic soils more than 542 million years old, that range from red-brown earths to terra rossa. These vineyards provide shiraz fruit from both the Eden and Barossa Valleys of the Barossa zone vinified in traditional open-top fermenters. Matured in 77% new and 23% seasoned French hogsheads for 20 months prior to blending and bottling. Tasting Note Nose – Brooding, Flower Herbs, Mocha Enigmatic character, unveiling itself slowly with subtle nuances of asphalt that gracefully temper the vibrant floral and mocha aromas Palate – Black Fruits, Roasted Meats, Complex Within its medium to full-bodied frame, this Shiraz offers a symphony of complexity, with a fleshy palate is rich and juicy with great depth, weaving together intricate threads of blackberry, coffee, and roasted meat. Finish – Firm, Persistent Fruit, Vivid Acidity Balanced acidity and long, layered, velvety tannins. Whereas the 2005 Tappa Pass was accessible upon release, the 2006 is somewhat closed, with hints of asphalt dampening the floral