Henschke Mount Edelstone Shiraz 2016

Winemaking and Drinking

Henschke is a name synonymous with excellence in Australian winemaking, particularly when it comes to Shiraz. The Henschke Mount Edelstone Shiraz 2016 is a testament to the family’s unwavering commitment to quality and tradition. This particular vintage traces its roots back to the mid-20th century, with a story deeply intertwined with the rich heritage of the Eden Valley in South Australia.

Background

The Mount Edelstone vineyard was first planted in 1912 by Ronald Angas, making it one of Australia's oldest vineyards. In 1952, Cyril Henschke, the third-generation winemaker of the Henschke family, recognized the potential of these old vines and produced the first single-vineyard Shiraz from Mount Edelstone. Since then, the Henschke family has continued to cultivate this unique vineyard, preserving the integrity and character of the original plantings.

The 2016 vintage is a reflection of over a century of viticultural experience and innovation. The vineyard itself is situated at an altitude of 400 meters, benefiting from the cool climate and ancient soils of the Eden Valley. These factors contribute to the unique flavor profile and complexity of the Mount Edelstone Shiraz.

Vineyard Specifics

The grapes for the Mount Edelstone Shiraz 2016 are sourced exclusively from the single-vineyard of the same name. This vineyard is characterized by its dry-grown, ungrafted, and low-yielding vines, which are over 100 years old. The deep-rooted vines thrive in the friable loam and red-brown earth over clay soils, which provide excellent drainage and a balanced nutrient supply. These conditions are ideal for producing Shiraz grapes with concentrated flavors and a robust structure.

The 2016 growing season was marked by a dry winter and spring, followed by a long, warm summer. These conditions led to an early harvest, with grapes reaching optimal ripeness and phenolic maturity. The result is a wine that perfectly balances power and elegance, showcasing the best attributes of the terroir.

Tasting Notes

The Henschke Mount Edelstone Shiraz 2016 is a wine of extraordinary depth and complexity. On the nose, it offers an intense bouquet of dark fruits, including blackberry, plum, and mulberry, complemented by hints of black pepper, anise, and fragrant floral notes of violets and dried herbs. Subtle undertones of earth, graphite, and oak-derived spice add to the aromatic intricacy.

On the palate, the wine is full-bodied and richly textured, with layers of black fruit flavors interwoven with savory spices and fine-grained tannins. The oak maturation, which includes 18 months in a combination of 81% French and 19% American oak (34% new and 66% seasoned), imparts a refined structure and a lengthy, velvety finish.

Awards and Recognition

The Henschke Mount Edelstone Shiraz 2016 has garnered acclaim both domestically and internationally, solidifying its status as a benchmark for Australian Shiraz. Some notable accolades include:

• 97 points from James Halliday's Wine Companion, highlighting its complexity, balance, and age-worthiness.
• 96 points from The Wine Advocate, praising its depth of flavor and elegant structure.
• Gold Medal at the Royal Melbourne Wine Awards, recognizing its excellence among Australian wines.
• Best in Show at the Decanter World Wine Awards, affirming its global reputation.

The Henschke Mount Edelstone Shiraz 2016 is not merely a wine; it is a celebration of a historic vineyard and the dedication of a family committed to excellence. Its origins in the century-old vines of the Eden Valley, coupled with meticulous winemaking practices, result in a wine that is both powerful and nuanced, capable of aging gracefully for decades. Whether enjoyed now or cellared for future enjoyment, this vintage exemplifies the pinnacle of Australian Shiraz.