Henschke Wheelright Shiraz Eden Valley 2017

Description

The Henschke family have been making wine at their estate in the Eden Valley since 1868. Fifth-generation winemaker Stephen Henschke took over running the winery in 1979. Together with his viticulturist wife Prue, they have taken their two single vineyards, Hill of Grace and Mount Edelstone, and transformed them into two of Australia’s most sought-after wines. Through a combination of great viticulture from Prue, who is at the forefront of re-introducing native plants into their vineyards to improve biodiversity, and winemaking from Stephen, they have built upon their inheritance and turned this traditional producer into one that is recognised by savvy wine drinkers throughout the world.

We are pleased to offer the first official UK launch of ‘The Wheelwright’ 2017. This single vineyard Shiraz pays tribute to Johann Christian Henschke, the founding father of the Henschke winery and vineyards. In 1868, this skilled stonemason and wheelwright planted his first vineyards in the Eden Valley. The Wheelwright vineyard is the Henschke family's coolest, most southerly, north-facing single vineyard. It was planted by Cyril Henschke in 1968 at 470m on sandy soils..

Full Vinoloked bottle a modest 1,235 g. 100% Shiraz planted in 1968 from the Wheelwright vineyard at 470 m 'managed with organic and biodynamic practices' and picked 9 to 27 April. This is the family's coolest, most southerly, north-facing single vineyard in the south of the valley with quite sandy soils and not far from the north-western Adelaide Hills. Relatively high rainfall. Matured in oak (15% new), of which 13% was American rather than French, for 18 months before blending and bottling. pH 3.52, TA 6.02 g/l.Transparent garnet. Lusciously ripe nose but extremely fresh on the palate, with medicinal and herbal top notes. Only medium body, despite the alcoholic strength, but this opens up most impressively on the finish – a real fan of flavour! I tasted this over several days and found it really opened up with time, which bodes well for its longevity. Real lift and truly beautiful texture on the finish with a hint of unsweetened chocolate. You could drink this now but do aerate it well before serving. 14.5%. Jancis Robinson MW