As with last year, I had the pleasure of experiencing Henschke’s single vineyard releases alongside Stephen and Prue during a Zoom call. Their wines are a testament to the joy of winemaking, evident even in my first visit in July, where the rain welcomed me on a particularly dry day.
At Henschke, located in Eden Valley, everything is processed on-site, although there are times when they may seek outside assistance. Steven emphasizes their preference to manage the process independently, aided by upgrades to their winery facilities. New fermenters designed by Andreas Henschke, Steven and Prue’s son, improve efficiency in destemming and sorting, incorporating an optical sorting machine to enhance quality.
In red winemaking, they employ a submerged cap technique, which helps keep the grape skins under the surface during fermentation. This method has been successfully utilized for over a century and ensures a consistent product. While labor-intensive, the process keeps the team fit, according to Stephen. New stainless steel designs for fermenters have been created to further streamline production, offering built-in temperature controls to optimize the fermentation process.
Henschke has shifted to a non-cultivation approach in the vineyard, maintaining biodiversity with a mix of native grasses and cover crops under the vines. This strategy, including the use of compost and mulch, boosts water retention and vine health, providing significant benefits over traditional methods.
The Wines
The distinct flavors of Henschke’s wines stem from their unique vineyard sites and vine ages, demonstrating the winemaking similarities across their offerings.
-
Henschke Mount Edelstone 2022
- Alcohol: 14.5%
- Historical Context: Planted in 1912, the vineyard focuses solely on Shiraz since 1952.
- Tasting Notes: Warm aromatics of red cherry and blackberry with fine spices and balance. The palate is vibrant and youthful, showcasing layers of flavor, indicating strong aging potential. Rating: 97/100
-
Henschke The Wheelwright Vineyard 2022
- Alcohol: 14.5%
- Historical Context: Established in 1968, known for its complex soils at high altitude.
- Tasting Notes: Features cherry and berry fruit with hints of mulch and spices. A fleshy yet structured palate leads to a long, spicy finish. Rating: 95/100
-
Henschke Hill of Roses 2022
- Alcohol: 14.5%
- Historical Context: A selection from the Hill of Grace vineyard, demonstrating maturation after 32 years.
- Tasting Notes: Displays taut aromatics, concentration of berry flavors, and savory spice, indicative of Barolo-like qualities. Rating: 96/100
-
Henschke Cyril Henschke Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2022
- Alcohol: 14.5%
- Historical Context: The vineyard has produced this wine since 1978, with careful blending of varietals.
- Tasting Notes: Green leafy edges surround rich blackcurrant fruit, characterized by elegance and complexity. Aging potential is excellent. Rating: 96/100
-
Henschke Hill of Grace 2022
- Alcohol: 14.5%
- Historical Context: One of the oldest vineyards in Australia, known for its varied soils and blocks.
- Tasting Notes: Offers concentrated texture with balanced black fruits and herbal nuances. The wine is rich and complex, perfect for aging. Rating: 98/100
These wines reflect Henschke’s dedication to quality, heritage, and innovative practices in winemaking. For more details on Henschke wines, visit their official website.