Henschke Croft Chardonnay 2019

Henschke Croft Chardonnay 2019

 

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Henschke
Croft Chardonnay 2019
  • Vintage : 2019
  • Country : Australia
  • Region : Eden Valley
  • Subregion :
  • Type : White
  • Style : Creamy Full Bodied White
  • Format : 75cl
  • Alcohol : 13,5°
  • Grappes : 100% Chardonnay

A single-vineyard Chardonnay first released in 1989, crafted by the sixth-generation Henschke family; 2019 delivers purity, balance and ageability in classic Lenswood style.

Experts Score Vintage
DCT Decanter 94 2019
RP Robert Parker 93 2019
JS James Suckling 93 2019
JH James Halliday 91 2019
More information on wine critics and ratings

Region and Vineyards

Adelaide Hills is South Australia's pre-eminent cool-climate zone, its higher elevations and maritime influence delivering long ripening and naturally high acidity. Within it, Lenswood sits around 550 m, a pocket known for purity of flavour and finesse. Rainfall is higher than in the Barossa and Eden Valleys, preserving freshness while still allowing full ripeness.

Croft is drawn from the Henschke Lenswood Vineyard, planted from 1982 onward on well-drained sandy loam over medium clay with shale fragments above shale bedrock. Intensive clonal work here includes seven Chardonnay selections—I10V1, I10V5, Antav 84, 277, B95, B96, B76—giving blending options for texture and aromatic complexity. The site's steep slopes and cooler nights produce Chardonnay with precise fruit, minerality and a poised acid spine that ages gracefully.

Winemaking

Croft 2019 is 100% Chardonnay from the Lenswood Vineyard, hand-picked during 7-13 March 2019. The juice was 100% barrel-fermented, emphasising texture without sacrificing line and energy. Alcohol sits at 13.5%, with a pH of 3.25 and total acidity of 7.34 g/L, reflecting the season's freshness.

Maturation occurred for 10 months in French oak puncheons, hogsheads and barriques (approximately 14% new, the remainder seasoned), prior to blending and bottling. The approach favours subtle oak integration—vanilla, cashew and pastry nuances—supporting, not masking, the vineyard's white-stone fruit core and mineral length.

Tasting Notes

  • Color Pale straw with green hues; bright and youthful.
  • Aroma White-stone fruits, pear skin, grapefruit and custard apple, layered with crème brûlée, hazelnut praline, cashew, gentle clove and a touch of flint.
  • Palate Rich yet refined: ripe pear and nectarine framed by textural minerality and fine citrus acidity; creamy French-oak nuances extend a long, balanced finish.

Did you know?

Croft takes its name from Frederick Croft, an orchardist who settled beside the Lenswood property in 1938—a nod to the site's cool-climate orchard heritage that still shapes the wine's poised, stone-fruited style.

Wine Pairing Ideas

  • Butter-poached scallops with brown-butter capers: the wine's citrus lift brightens sweet scallops while nutty oak echoes brown-butter notes.
  • Roast chicken with tarragon and mushrooms: creamy textures and umami match Croft's cashew/vanilla nuances and supple weight.
  • Atlantic salmon with lemon beurre blanc: vibrant acidity cuts richness; stone-fruit flavours complement the sauce's citrus.
  • Triple-cream brie with toasted almonds: lactic creaminess mirrors the wine's silky mid-palate; almond amplifies subtle oak praline.

History of Henschke Estate

The Henschke estate was established in 1868 by Johann Christian Henschke, who emigrated from Silesia, Germany, to Australia in the mid-19th century. The winery gained early recognition for its quality wines and has been passed down through generations, each contributing to its legacy.

Cyril Henschke, representing the third generation, was a pioneering winemaker who introduced single-vineyard wines, including the now-iconic Hill of Grace in 1958. His innovative approach and commitment to quality set the foundation for the estate’s modern reputation.

Today, the estate is managed by fifth-generation winemakers Stephen and Prue Henschke, who continue to uphold the family’s traditions while integrating sustainable and biodynamic farming practices. Under their leadership, Henschke has maintained its status as one of Australia’s premier wine producers, celebrated globally for its exceptional wines.

Region and Vineyards

The Henschke vineyards are located primarily in the Eden Valley, with some holdings in the Barossa Valley. The Eden Valley's elevation and cooler climate provide ideal conditions for growing premium grape varieties, particularly Shiraz, Riesling, and Cabernet Sauvignon. The soils in this region are diverse, ranging from sandy loam over clay to rocky schist, contributing to the complexity and unique character of the wines.

The Hill of Grace vineyard is perhaps the most famous, featuring some of the oldest Shiraz vines in the world, planted in the 1860s. These ancient, dry-grown vines produce grapes of remarkable depth and intensity, forming the backbone of Henschke’s flagship wine.

Other notable vineyards include Mount Edelstone, renowned for its Shiraz, and Lenswood in the Adelaide Hills, known for its cool-climate varieties.

Wine Range

Henschke offers a diverse range of wines, each reflecting the unique terroir of their respective vineyards. The portfolio includes:

  • Hill of Grace: An iconic single-vineyard Shiraz, known for its depth, complexity, and aging potential.
  • Mount Edelstone: Another distinguished Shiraz from ancient vines, celebrated for its rich flavors and elegant structure.
  • Keyneton Estate Euphonium: A harmonious blend of Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Merlot, showcasing the synergy of Barossa and Eden Valley fruit.
  • Johann’s Garden: A tribute to the early German settlers, this blend of Grenache, Mataro, and Shiraz is vibrant and aromatic.
  • Cyril Henschke Cabernet Sauvignon: Named after Cyril Henschke, this wine exemplifies the excellence of Eden Valley Cabernet Sauvignon.
  • Tilly’s Vineyard: A crisp and refreshing white blend, highlighting the diversity of the Henschke vineyards.

Did you know?

The Hill of Grace vineyard, located opposite the historic Gnadenberg Church, draws its name from the German term Gnadenberg, meaning "Hill of Grace." This vineyard, with vines over 150 years old, remains ungrafted and is one of the few pre-phylloxera vineyards in the world. The Henschke family’s dedication to preserving these ancient vines showcases their commitment to heritage and excellence in winemaking.

Decanter (DCT) : 94 Points (2019)
Mild mannered but with firm sinewy muscle that allows this delicate fruit to speak strongly. It’s a long single note on a viola: poise and precision through a clean white peach belly with bright lemon at its core. Understated elegance. (4/2021)

Robert Parker (RP) : 93 Points (2019)
Although marked by accents of toasted grain and nuts, the focus of the excellent 2019 Croft Chardonnay is on the wonderfully pristine white peach and pineapple fruit. Medium to full-bodied and joyfully generous on the palate, it's focused and streamlined at the same time, flowing easily into a long, citrus-inflected and silken finish. The best Croft Chardonnay to date? (3/2021)

James Suckling (JS) : 93 Points (2019)
This is looking attractively pure and fresh with aromas of sliced pear and white peach, as well as apple and lemon. The palate has crystalline acidity, set amid ripe pears and melon and a hint of savory nougat. Drink or hold. (5/2021)

James Halliday (JH) : 91 Points (2019)
From the estate Lenswood vineyard at 550m elevation. Fermented and matured 10 months in 14% new French oak puncheons, hogsheads and barriques. A chardonnay of concentration and tension from a low-yielding season. Spicy grapefruit, fig and fleshy, ripe white peach is accented with notes of wild honey and underlined by cashew nut French oak. Plump fruit sweetness contrasts with grapefruit zest acidity and subtle phenolic bite on a long finish. (8/2021)

Henschke Mount Edelstone Shiraz 2018
Henschke Mount Edelstone Shiraz 2018
Henschke
Mount Edelstone Shiraz 2018
WS
94
RP
96
JH
98
A legendary single-vineyard Shiraz, Mount Edelstone 2018 shows the depth of old vines with layers of dark fruit, spice, and savoury elegance that define Eden Valley.
215,00 €
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Henschke Cyril Henschke Cabernet 2018
Henschke Cyril Henschke Cabernet 2018
Henschke
Cyril Henschke Cabernet 2018
JS
96
RP
93
JH
96
Showcasing the meticulous craftsmanship of Henschke, the Cyril Henschke Cabernet offers a sublime balance of rich fruit and sophisticated structure.
169,00 €
Quantity : moins plus
Henschke Louis Semillon 2017
Henschke Louis Semillon 2017
Henschke
Louis Semillon 2017
RP
91
The Henschke Louis Semillon is an exquisite expression from Eden Valley, showcasing the elegance and complexity of old vine Semillon. This wine is a testament to meticulous winemaking, offering a harmonious blend of citrus and floral notes with a refined minerality.
27,90 €
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Henschke Julius Riesling 2023
Henschke Julius Riesling 2023
Henschke
Julius Riesling 2023
JS
95
JS
96
WS
90
Experience the crisp elegance of Henschke Julius Riesling, a wine that captivates with its lively citrus flavors and floral aromas, underpinned by a refreshing mineral finish. Perfect for any occasion that calls for a touch of sophistication!
46,90 €
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Henschke Henry
Henschke Henry's Seven 2023
Henschke
Henry's Seven 2023
RP
93
JS
93
WE
95
This complex and harmonious red wine honors the memory of Henry Evans, offering an exquisite fusion of Shiraz, Grenache, Mataro, and Viognier from the renowned Barossa wine region.
39,00 €
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Henschke Johann
Henschke Johann's Garden 2018
Henschke
Johann's Garden 2018
WS
92
DCT
94
W&S
92
The Henschke Johann's Garden is an exquisite blend that pays homage to the early German pioneers of the Barossa Valley, delivering a symphony of rich, vibrant flavors and refined elegance.
55,90 €
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Henschke Keyneton Estate Euphonium 2018
Henschke Keyneton Estate Euphonium 2018
Henschke
Keyneton Estate Euphonium 2018
WS
91
RP
92
JH
95
This blend from Henschke celebrates tradition and terroir, combining Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Merlot to create a wine of exceptional depth and balance.
58,50 €
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Henschke Hill of Grace 2018
Henschke Hill of Grace 2018
Henschke
Hill of Grace 2018
WS
97
RP
98
JH
99
The Hill of Grace by Henschke exemplifies the pinnacle of Australian winemaking, combining over 150 years of family tradition with exceptional vineyard management and winemaking expertise.
765,00 €
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Henschke Henry
Henschke Henry's Seven 2020
Henschke
Henry's Seven 2020
WS
91
RP
90
WE
94
From Barossa and the higher Eden Valley, this Syrah-Grenache-Mataro-Viognier blend marries sun-ripened fruit to cool-night lift, delivering vivid spice, sleek tannins and a distinctly Australian Rhône-inspired heartbeat.
35,90 €
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Wine regions guide
45,90 €
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