2016 The Wheelwright

Eden Valley

Shiraz

Deep garnet with crimson hues. Lifted aromas of blackberry, plum and mulberry are complemented by violets, crushed flowering herbs, black pepper, anise, sage, vanilla and Dutch cocoa. A fine and linear palate of blackcurrant and red cherry is layered with savoury spice, fresh herbs and dark chocolate, with bright acidity and velvety tannins delivering a balanced finish.

$210.00
$210.00
Deep garnet with crimson hues. Lifted aromas of blackberry, plum and mulberry are complemented by violets, crushed fl...

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BACKGROUND

The Wheelwright, first released to commemorate 150 years of Henschke family winemaking, pays tribute to our founder, winemaker Johann Christian Henschke (1803-1873). He was among the first generation of the early German Silesian community of the Barossa in South Australia and established the family winery in 1868. Johann Christian arrived in 1841 as a skilled stonemason and wheelwright and planted his first vineyards in the high country of the picturesque Eden Valley. This wine is produced from old vine shiraz planted in 1968, a century later, by fourth-generation Cyril Henschke near the village of Eden Valley at 470m altitude. As per the Barossa Old Vine Charter, an ‘old vine’ is equal to or greater than 35 years of age.

PRODUCT INFORMATION

Varieties: 100% Shiraz

Harvest Date: 24 - 30 March

Alcohol: 14.5%

Vintage Rating: Exceptional vintage

Maturation: Matured in 10% new and 90% seasoned (95% French, 5% American) oak hogsheads for 18 months prior to blending and bottling. Bottle aged in the Henschke cellar for museum release.

Drinking Window: Drink now to 2050+

VINTAGE

The 2016 vintage began with below-average winter rainfall, followed by a warm and dry spring, which enhanced flowering and fruit set. Low disease pressure was maintained by one of the hottest Decembers on record, though temperatures cooled in the New Year and rainfall around veraison in late January brought relief to the vineyard. This was followed by further rainfall in early March, which eased stresson all varieties. Open, light canopie sallowed for good flavour, sugar and colour, and mature tannins to develop at harvest, with the vintage overall characterised by average yields but very high quality.

TASTING NOTES

The Wheelwright, first released to commemorate 150 years of Henschke family winemaking, pays tribute to our founder, winemaker Johann Christian Henschke (1803-1873). He was among the first generation of the early German Silesian community of the Barossa in South Australia and established the family winery in 1868. Johann Christian arrived in 1841 as a skilled stonemason and wheelwright and planted his first vineyards in the high country of the picturesque Eden Valley. This wine is produced from old vine shiraz planted in 1968, a century later, by fourth-generation Cyril Henschke near the village of Eden Valley at 470m altitude. As per the Barossa Old Vine Charter, an ‘old vine’ is equal to or greater than 35 years of age.

Varieties: 100% Shiraz

Harvest Date: 24 - 30 March

Alcohol: 14.5%

Vintage Rating: Exceptional vintage

Maturation: Matured in 10% new and 90% seasoned (95% French, 5% American) oak hogsheads for 18 months prior to blending and bottling. Bottle aged in the Henschke cellar for museum release.

Drinking Window: Drink now to 2050+

The 2016 vintage began with below-average winter rainfall, followed by a warm and dry spring, which enhanced flowering and fruit set. Low disease pressure was maintained by one of the hottest Decembers on record, though temperatures cooled in the New Year and rainfall around veraison in late January brought relief to the vineyard. This was followed by further rainfall in early March, which eased stresson all varieties. Open, light canopie sallowed for good flavour, sugar and colour, and mature tannins to develop at harvest, with the vintage overall characterised by average yields but very high quality.