Henschke Henry's Seven 2020

Region and Vineyards

The fruit is drawn across Barossa Valley and the cooler, higher-elevation Eden Valley—two neighboring districts within the Mount Lofty Ranges. Vineyards sit roughly 275-500 m above sea level (898-1,640 ft), where warm, sunlit days are tempered by cool nights that slow ripening and preserve acidity. Soils are a mosaic: grey/brown clays and red-brown earth mingle with yellow sands and sandy loams over gravel and bedrock, encouraging fragrance, spice and supple structure in Rhône varieties.

Eden's altitude and airflow bring floral lift and tension, while Barossa Valley contributes generosity, darker fruit and mid-palate weight. The 2020 season yielded concentrated fruit at modest yields, and the blend's multi-parcel sourcing allows Henschke to balance ripe berry richness with savory detail and peppery definition year after year.

Winemaking

Varieties and proportions: 72% Shiraz, 13% Grenache, 12% Mataro, 3% Viognier. The viognier is co-fermented with shiraz to heighten perfume and silkiness; grenache and mataro are fermented separately in traditional open-top concrete tanks, with full malolactic to round edges while retaining drive.

Maturation follows in French oak hogsheads for 10 months (~10% new, remainder seasoned), aiming to frame fruit and spice rather than dominate. Key analytics: 14.5% vol, pH 3.58, TA 6.1 g/L. The result is a poised, aromatic Barossa SGMV that emphasizes purity, texture and drinkability without sacrificing regional depth.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Deep garnet with violet hues, bright and youthful at the rim.
• Aroma: Ripe plum, raspberry and blueberry interlaced with blackberry, cracked black pepper, flowering herbs, tarragon and bay leaf.
• Palate: Juicy and supple with berry compote and dark plum; vibrant acidity and fine-grained tannins carry a long, pepper-laced finish with lingering mulberry and subtle spice.

Did you know?

This blend commemorates Henry Evans, who planted seven acres at Keyneton in 1853 and quickly earned acclaim. After his death in 1868, his widow, Sarah, closed the winery and uprooted the vines—an arresting footnote in Barossa history.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Moroccan lamb tagine - sweet-spiced sauce and stewed lamb amplify the wine's pepper, berry depth and savory herb complexity.
• Smoked pork shoulder - smoky fat and spice resonate with Barossa shiraz richness and mataro's earthy backbone.
• Mushroom and rosemary risotto - umami and herbs mirror the wine's bay-leaf, tarragon and pepper nuances.
• Pepper-crusted tuna - seared richness suits the silky texture; black pepper bridges fruit and savory notes.

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.