Henschke The Wheelwright Shiraz 2019

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. The Wheelwright pays tribute to the founding father of the Henschke winery and vineyards, winemaker Johann Christian Henschke. He was among the first generation of the early Barossa German pioneers of South Australia, and established the family winery in 1868. Johann Christian arrived as a skilled stonemason and wheelwright and planted his first vineyards in the high country of the picturesque Eden Valley. This wine is produced from Old-Vine shiraz planted in 1968, a century later, by fourth-generation Cyril Henschke. This wine is produced from old vine shiraz planted in 1968, a century later, by fourth-generation Cyril Henschke near the village of Eden Valley at 500m altitude. As per the Barossa Old Vine Charter, an old vine is equal to or greater than 35 years of age. A mild and dry winter, followed by a dry and windy spring, saw frost events in September and November that disrupted budburst and young shoot growth. A hailstorm in late November impacted the fresh young shoots carrying the crop, with shiraz the most affected. Warmer than average temperatures in January and February, including the hottest summer’s day on record, led to the advancement of maturity and early onset of vintage. Warm weather in late summer maintained low disease pressure and small berry size, providing optimal ripening conditions. Despite miniscule yields, 2019 was a high-quality vintage with beautiful expressions of varietal character, good structure and excellent flavour intensity. The 2019 vintage will be remembered as a challenging season where regenerative viticulture and organic and biodynamic practices were vital to nurturing the health of the Henschke vineyards through an exceptionally warm and dry year. The shiraz is grown on The Wheelwright Vineyard on the Henschke Eden Valley property, managed with organic and biodynamic practices. Matured in 21% new and 79% seasoned (65% French, 35% American) oak hogsheads for 18 months prior to blending and bottling. Dark crimson with violet hues. Alluring aromas of raspberry, blueberry, blackberry, violets and vanilla flower, with lifted notes of anise, bay leaf, cedar, black pepper and sandalwood. A complex and elegant palate of Satsuma plum, mulberry, blackberry, sage and savoury spices, balanced by bright acidity and fine-grained tannins for a long fruit-driven finish. Nose – Forest Berries, Violets, Vanilla Flower Intense forest fruits, violets and vanilla and herb garden nuances. Palate – Generous, Intense, Bitter-sweet Generous brambly fruits wash over the palate, hints of mocha and attractive amaro bitterness. Lovely shape and fresh well-balanced acidity. Finish – Sandalwood, Savoury Spice, Chocolaty A classic Barossa style with a luscious fruit driven finish and fine-grained tannins. A particularly generous and forthcoming wine, with blackberry and plum driving the immediate response, the luscious bouquet quickly followed by the intense palate before a second response of elegance and finesse