Spicy cool-climate Syrah from Mac Forbes. The antithesis of the block-busting Aussie Shiraz.

The prestigious Australian winery Henschke has remained a family-owned establishment for over 153 years and six generations. Situated in Keyneton, South Australia, within the esteemed Eden Valley wine region, Henschke proudly stands as a distinguished member of Australia's First Families of Wine. Since its inception in 1862, when Johann Christian Henschke planted a modest vineyard in Keyneton, the Henschke family has continuously crafted exceptional wines, forging a legacy of excellence with vineyards in the Eden Valley, Barossa Valley and Adelaide Hills, including acclaimed single-vineyards, Hill of Grace and Mount Edelstone. The fifth-generation winemaker Stephen Carl Henschke and his viticulturist wife Prue took over the operation of the winery in 1979 and they are recognised around the world for their exceptional quality wines, innovative spirit, focus on restoring native vegetation, organic and biodynamic practices in the vineyard. Johann Stephen Henschke, the eldest of Stephen and Prue’s three children has become the sixth generation member of the Henschke family since 1983. With the background of higher education in wine making, viticulture and oenology, Johann is now based at the family winery as winemaker and viticulturist while playing an important role of transferring his skill set and knowledge from the fifth to sixth generation. As the next generation prepares to navigate the well-documented challenges that lie ahead, Johann recognizes the indispensability of innovation and meticulous strategic planning. However, amidst these considerations, he firmly believes in upholding the time-honoured winemaking techniques that have been cherished by the Henschke family for generations. By ensuring that the legacy of Henschke is nurtured with the same prudence and care as it has always been, Johann and his peers can pass on a heritage that will endure and command the same esteemed reputation that it enjoys today. Henschke's commitment to excellence and sustainable wine production has garnered well-deserved recognition and accolades. In 2021, the winery was honoured as the Wine Enthusiast New World Winery of the Year, a testament to their exceptional craftsmanship and dedication to pushing the boundaries of winemaking in the New World. Furthermore, Henschke was also named the Winery of the Year by the prestigious Halliday Wine Companion, solidifying their position as a leader in the industry. Additionally, Henschke's unwavering commitment to sustainability and environmentally conscious practices has been acknowledged with the prestigious Robert Parker Wine Advocate Green Emblem. This recognition highlights their remarkable efforts in reducing environmental impact while producing outstanding wines. Henschke's unwavering pursuit of excellence and dedication to sustainable practices make them a true icon in the world of wine. The beautiful and historic name Mount Edelstone is a translation from the German Edelstein meaning ‘gemstone’, a reference to small yellow opals once found in the area. The Mount Edelstone Vineyard was planted in 1912 by Ronald Angas, a descendant of George Fife Angas who founded The South Australian Company and played a significant part in the formation and establishment of South Australia. Unusual for its time, the vineyard was planted solely to shiraz. The ancient 500-million-year-old geology in the vineyard has given rise to soils that are deep red-brown clay-loam to clay, resulting in low yields from the dry-grown, ungrafted centenarian vines. First bottled as a single-vineyard wine in 1952 by fourth-generation Cyril Henschke, by the time Cyril purchased the vineyard from Colin Angas in 1974, Mount Edelstone was already well entrenched as one of Australia’s greatest shiraz wines. Crafted by the Henschke family for over 60 years now, Mount Edelstone is arguably the longest consecutively-produced, single-vineyard wine in Australia. A moderately wet winter combined with average spring conditions meant that the vines grew well in the mild weather. Ideal flowering conditions in late spring/early summer led to the potential for near average yields. Late December became warm and dry, ensuring healthy canopies with low disease pressure. The summer months of January and February were typically warm and dry, characterised by above average overnight temperatures. The old-vine vineyards coped well with the warm nights, their deep roots able to withstand the warming and drying effect on the topsoil, maturing the balanced crops as autumn approached, March and April provided light and warmth to the Eden Valley which led to full and balanced maturity being achieved across all grape varieties. With warm sunny days and cool nights, the dry autumn guaranteed that pristinely healthy grapes arrived in the fermenters. All in all, the 2018 vintage will be considered a standout of the decade. Shiraz was certainly one of the highlights of the season, fittingly so in the year we celebrated our 150th anniversary of family winemaking. Henschke Mount Edelstone Shiraz 2018 vintage was matured in 27% new and 73% seasoned (77% French, 23% American) oak hogsheads for 20 months prior to blending and bottling. Best served at 17°C. In the correct conditions, this wine could be cellared for 35+ years from vintage. Deep ruby with ruby hues, Spicy, complex and dark fruited aromas of blackberry, dark red plum and blueberry, with sage, bay leaf, thyme, anise, black pepper, nutmeg and cedar. A rich, plush and beautifully integrated palate offers layers of spicy dark fruits, pepper, sage, musk and clove, balanced by bright acidity, cxcellent depth and long and elegant fine, velvety tannins

The Eye of Ra was the powerful feminine counterpart to the sun god Ra in Egyptian mythology and was personified by a number of Egyptian goddesses. They also represented the polarity of extreme force of the sun’s heat countered by the sun’s nurturing gaze. Wine maker Ben Glaezter similarly produced the Eye of Ra Shiraz featuring excellent power and depth balanced by restraint and elegance leading to an amazing evolution in the bottle and glass. The Eye of Rã 2018 Shiraz reflects Ben Glaetzer’s aspiration to create the perfect wine that is the epitome of Barossa Shiraz. 100% Shiraz, extraordinary fruit was sourced from selected vines from four outstanding vineyards from the renowned Ebenezer sub district at the northern tip of the Barossa Valley. The fruit was hand harvested from low yielding vines aged up to 110 years old predominantly in deep sandy soils of a red brown texture known as contrast soils. The result was exceptional quality featuring intense depth of colour, astounding aromatic purity and brightness on the palate. The parcels were fermented separately in small open fermenters and gently hand plunged 3 times daily. During fermentation the temperature was kept very cool below 18 degrees Celsius to enhance the fresh aromatic profile without over extraction. The wine was then matured for 16 months in 100% new French oak hogsheads with natural malolactic fermentation continuing in oak during maturation. The fine grained French hogsheads were of the highest quality with tannin profiles selected to best express the flavours of the individual parcels. Inky, opaque purple with red accents in colour. The aromas are expressive and forceful, development will reveal delicious herbs that accent a core of dark berry fruit. On the palate there are polished tannins balancing the dominant fruit. Black berries are layered over red, with mocha, liquorice and fresh-cut cedar. Cellaring in the bottle will lead to increased complexity and even greater enjoyment.

Product Description The Wheelwright Shiraz is one of the most expressive wines in Henschke’s portfolio, offering a perfect blend of bold flavours and refined structure. The 2021 vintage stands out with its dynamic balance of ripe fruit, rich spice, and elegant tannins. This wine showcases the depth of flavour that the Eden Valley terroir provides, with layers of blackberries, dark chocolate, and spice, all underpinned by a subtle smokiness from the oak. The Wheelwright Shiraz is a wine that combines power with sophistication, offering both immediate drinkability and the potential for further development. Its length and complexity make it an ideal choice for collectors seeking a wine that embodies both boldness and finesse. Maker: Henschke is one of Australia's most prestigious and historic wineries, with over 153 years and six generations of family ownership. Located in Keyneton, South Australia, within the renowned Eden Valley wine region, Henschke has built a legacy of crafting premium wines, including its iconic single-vineyard wines, Hill of Grace and Mount Edelstone. Since 1862, the Henschke family has cultivated exceptional vineyards in the Eden Valley, Barossa Valley, and Adelaide Hills, with a focus on quality, sustainability, and innovation. Stephen and Prue Henschke, the fifth-generation winemaker and viticulturist team, have led the winery since 1979, restoring native vegetation and adopting organic and biodynamic vineyard practices. The sixth generation, led by Johann Henschke, continues to honour the traditions of the past while embracing modern winemaking techniques to ensure Henschke remains a leader in fine wine production. Henschke's commitment to sustainability and excellence has garnered numerous accolades, including the Wine Enthusiast's New World Winery of the Year (2021) and the Halliday Wine Companion's Winery of the Year. The winery has also been recognised with the Robert Parker Wine Advocate Green Emblem, highlighting its dedication to environmentally conscious practices. Philosophy Henschke’s philosophy is deeply rooted in the belief that great wines are made in the vineyard. The winery has embraced organic and biodynamic farming practices, ensuring the health of the vines and the land for future generations. By working with nature rather than against it, they produce wines that are not only reflective of the place but also allow the true expression of the fruit to come through. The family’s attention to detail, commitment to quality, and respect for the environment have resulted in a portfolio of wines that have gained worldwide recognition for their excellence. Tasting Notes: NOSE Spicy and Fruity Aromas of ripe blackberries, dark plums, and black pepper with undertones of vanilla and toasty oak, balanced by hints of earthy spice. PALATE Bold and Lush A full-bodied palate with rich flavours of dark fruits, dark chocolate, and a blend of spices. The tannins are firm and velvety, providing a smooth texture that supports the bold fruit profile. FINISH Lingering and Complex The finish is long and persistent, with dark fruit flavours and spice lingering, leaving a refined and smooth aftertaste. "This is ultimately a spicy, red-fruited expression...It is fresh and beautiful and slinky, in its way." - Erin Larkin, Wine Advocate - 95 Points “Such projection, finesse and immaculate balance. … The sleekest of tannins here, this is a wine which lingers with intent.” - Kent Gargett, Quill and Pad - 97 Points “… Smells briney and herbal with a top note of liquorice. Nicely married aromas. Tastes salty too with a firm, dry finish though the tannins are clearly ripe and well worked. … Despite its 14.5% alcohol, there's not a jot of alcoholic heat on the long finish, which is so clean and pure it's almost bracing.” - Jancis Robinson, JancisRobinson.com, 17/20

As usual, the 2017 RunRig is approximately 2% Viognier. It spent almost 30 months in oak, 40% of which was new. Hints of peach or apricot appear on the nose, alongside notes of hickory smoke, cherries and baking spices. It's full-bodied and concentrated but supple and silky enough to seem lighter in the mouth, showing tremendous length and elegance on the finish, where it adds nuances of cinnamon and cocoa. Rating: 98/100.

Full bodied yet velvety texture with plums and raspberries dominating. Hints of sweet spice, black olive pepper add to the complexity.

Jasper Hills Emilys Paddock is mostly shiraz - with a defining splash of cabernet franc. A lot has been made over the years of the terroir difference between Jasper Hill Emilys and Georgias, but its the cabernet franc that really differentiates them. Wonderfully fragrant and lifted on the nose, Emily's Paddock is not only wonderful upon release, the wine will age gracefully over many years in the good cellar.

Fresh blackberry and boysenberry, spice, liquorice, tar and dried herbs. Medium bodied, juicy bramble fruits, crisp boysenberry acidity, salted beef, firm but fine grained drying tannin, and a long fresh meaty herb infused finish.

Deep purple with violet hues. Alluring aromas of mulberry, blue and black berries, red plum and fresh vanilla bean are carried by nuances of crushed lavender, flowering herbs, bay leaf and black pepper. The palate is wonderfully structured, revealing intense flavours of red berry fruits, dark plum and Swiss chocolate, and finishing rich and textured, with fine-grained tannins and extraordinary length.