Henschke, `Giles` Lenswood Pinot Noir 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

Stephen and Prue Henschke realised the exciting potential of the higher altitude Adelaide Hills region in 1981, and purchased a 13 hectare site in Lenswood at 550 metres above sea level, covered in orchards, with beautiful steep slopes and stunning views towards the Eden Valley. Well-drained sandy loam over medium clay is interspersed with shale fragments overlying a shale bedrock. Various clones of many varieties were planted between 1982 and 1987, including Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir and Cabernet Sauvignon. The single-vineyard ‘Giles’ Pinot Noir has become more intense and complex as the vines have reached maturity and are producing fruit of outstanding quality.

VINIFICATION

A clonal mix of MV6, 114, 115, 777 and Pommard was selected for the 2017 'Giles'. Following a cold soak, fermentation took place with a proportion of whole berry and whole bunch. The wine was matured in 16% new and 84% seasoned French oak barriques for 10 months prior to blending and bottling.

TASTING NOTES

Bright, pale garnet with cherry hues. Alluring spicy aromas of red cherries, redcurrants, wild berries and rosehip with nuances of strawberry leaf, dried herbs, musk and baking spices. Rich and textural, the palate shows flavours of wild forest fruits, black cherries and hints of fennel, with precise acidity forming a tight mineral core and elegant, fine tannins leading to a long, savoury finish.