Henschke, `Johann’s Garden` Barossa Valley Grenache/Mataro/Shiraz 2017

The Henschke family have been making wine at their estate in the Eden Valley since 1868. Fifth-generation winemaker Stephen Henschke took over running the winery in 1979. Together with his viticulturist wife Prue, they have taken their two single vineyards, Hill of Grace and Mount Edelstone, and transformed them into two of Australia’s most sought-after wines. Through a combination of great viticulture from Prue, who is at the forefront of re-introducing native plants into their vineyards to improve biodiversity, and winemaking from Stephen, they have built upon their inheritance and turned this traditional producer into one that is recognised by savvy wine drinkers throughout the world.

VINEYARDS

Named as a tribute to the early German Silesian pioneers of the Barossa, many of whom carried the first name of Johann. Their toil, perseverance and conservatism in hardship has meant that the many generations that followed rejoiced in the riches of their prudent efforts. Barossa growers traditionally referred to their vineyard as their ‘garden’, from the German weingarten. Their traditions and culture have survived to this day, including the winemaking techniques used in this Grenache-led blend. It is produced from low-yielding, old, gnarled, dry-grown bush and trellised vines on limestone soils from selected Barossa Valley vineyards.

VINIFICATION

Parcels of Grenache, Mataro and Shiraz were vinified separately. After fermentation, the batches were aged in seasoned French hogsheads for 10 months before blending and bottling.

TASTING NOTES 

Deep crimson in colour with purple hues. Incredibly fragrant aromas of raspberry, dark plum, spicy blueberry and redcurrant are complemented by notes of mace, nutmeg, white pepper and musk. The rich and intense palate shows excellent structure and complexity, bursting with wild berry and dark plum, entwined with an array of dried spices. Layers of firm yet silky tannins provide exceptional length.