Henschke Mount Edelstone Shiraz 2018

Region and Vineyards

Eden Valley lies within the Barossa zone of South Australia, but at higher elevations than the Barossa floor, typically between 400 and 600 metres. The cooler climate and rocky soils yield Shiraz that is spicier, more elegant, and finely structured than its Barossa Valley counterpart .

The Mount Edelstone vineyard was planted in 1912, making it one of the oldest single-vineyard Shiraz sites in Australia. Dry-farmed and ungrafted, these centenarian vines produce naturally low yields of around 2 tonnes per hectare, resulting in grapes of exceptional concentration. The vineyard's deep sandy loam over clay soils, combined with Eden Valley's cooler conditions, shape wines of remarkable freshness, peppery lift, and age-worthy balance .

Winemaking

The 2018 vintage benefited from an early, warm and dry growing season, allowing excellent fruit set and ripeness. Grapes were hand-harvested from the historic vineyard, then vinified in small open-top fermenters with gentle hand-plunging to extract colour and tannins. Fermentation was followed by a period of skin contact for added depth and texture.

The wine was matured in a mix of French and American oak hogsheads (77% French, 23% American), 29% new, for 18 months. This élevage contributed savoury spice, subtle smoky notes, and structure while ensuring the fruit remained at the forefront. Bottling was completed under Vinolok glass closure to preserve purity and longevity.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Deep crimson with a dark ruby core and purple hues.
• Aroma: Intense black fruits — blackberry, plum, mulberry — layered with black olive tapenade, smoked charcuterie, forest herbs, spearmint, and exotic spice. Subtle cedar and dark chocolate emerge with aeration.
• Palate: Concentrated yet graceful, showing brooding black fruits, fine-grained tannins, and savoury complexity. Hints of cured meat, olive, and mint carry into a long, persistent finish framed by vibrant acidity.

Did you know?

The word Edelstone derives from the German for "noble stone", a reference to both the vineyard's geology and the German immigrants who settled the Eden Valley in the 19th century. The Henschke family has bottled Mount Edelstone as a single-vineyard wine since 1952, making it one of Australia's longest-standing vineyard-designated wines .

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Chargrilled venison loin: The wine's savoury notes and structured tannins harmonise with game's earthy depth.
• Slow-cooked lamb shoulder with rosemary: Its herbal and smoky nuances echo the dish's flavours.
• Duck breast with blackberry reduction: Dark fruit notes in the wine align beautifully with berry accents in the sauce.
• Aged Comté or Manchego: The wine's complexity and savoury character pair well with nutty, firm cheeses.

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.