2021 The Wheelwright

Eden Valley

Shiraz

Deep crimson with violet hues. Captivating raspberry, Satsuma plum and blackberry are entwined with high-toned, heady garrigue herbs, black peppercorn, nutmeg, anise, violets and wild lavender. A vibrant core of mulberry and blueberry fruit is supported by white pepper and violets, bright acidity, lovely texture and powerful fine-grained tannins building on the long, spicy finish.

$160.00
$160.00
Deep crimson with violet hues. Captivating raspberry, Satsuma plum and blackberry are entwined with high-toned, heady...

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Due to limited production, bottle limits apply.
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: 13 – 16 April

Alcohol: 14.5%

Vintage Rating: Exceptional vintage

Maturation: Matured in 10% new and 90% seasoned (82% French, 18% American) oak hogsheads for 18 months prior to blending and bottling.

Cellaring Potential: 30+ years (from vintage)

VINTAGE

Average rainfall in the winter of 2020 was followed by even budburst, with buds showing good fruitfulness. Frost damage was significant, and spring was cloudy, with good rains pre-flowering, followed by short bursts of hot weather in late November. The late-flowering varieties were impacted by heat at the end of November and strong winds in early December damaged the canopies, although the crop remained disease free. January was dry, with a burst of heat prior to a perfectly timed rain event at veraison in early February. The lead up to vintage was cool, cloudy and mostly dry. After our coolest summer for 19 years, a warm autumn provided ideal conditions for ripening in our red varieties, achieving excellent colour, flavour intensity and tannin maturity. The 2021 vintage will be considered a standout of the decade; remembered for complex wines with exceptional varietal expression, balance and purity, that speak of the ancient land from which they originate. With a likeness to the high-quality vintages of 1986, 2002, 2005, and 2015, all of which were mild seasons, the 2021 single-vineyard wines show an impressive potential for long-term ageing in ideal cellaring conditions.

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: 13 – 16 April

Alcohol: 14.5%

Vintage Rating: Exceptional vintage

Maturation: Matured in 10% new and 90% seasoned (82% French, 18% American) oak hogsheads for 18 months prior to blending and bottling.

Cellaring Potential: 30+ years (from vintage)

Average rainfall in the winter of 2020 was followed by even budburst, with buds showing good fruitfulness. Frost damage was significant, and spring was cloudy, with good rains pre-flowering, followed by short bursts of hot weather in late November. The late-flowering varieties were impacted by heat at the end of November and strong winds in early December damaged the canopies, although the crop remained disease free. January was dry, with a burst of heat prior to a perfectly timed rain event at veraison in early February. The lead up to vintage was cool, cloudy and mostly dry. After our coolest summer for 19 years, a warm autumn provided ideal conditions for ripening in our red varieties, achieving excellent colour, flavour intensity and tannin maturity. The 2021 vintage will be considered a standout of the decade; remembered for complex wines with exceptional varietal expression, balance and purity, that speak of the ancient land from which they originate. With a likeness to the high-quality vintages of 1986, 2002, 2005, and 2015, all of which were mild seasons, the 2021 single-vineyard wines show an impressive potential for long-term ageing in ideal cellaring conditions.

18.5/20
“This is a red-fruited, pretty and gentle wine with a stunning brightness and pristineness that shocks the senses. … I am very taken by the cool elegance found here, and this is undoubtedly the most engaging and detailed Wheelwright to date.”

MATTHEW JUKES, MATTHEWJUKES.COM

95 Points
"This is ultimately a spicy, red-fruited expression...It is fresh and beautiful and slinky, in its way."

ERIN LARKIN, WINE ADVOCATE

97 Points
“Such projection, finesse and immaculate balance. … The sleekest of tannins here, this is a wine which lingers with intent.”

KEN GARGETT, QUILL AND PAD

17/20
“… 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

96 Points
“… the palate is vivid and refreshing, packed with raspberry, blackberry and blueberry fruits, leavened by peppery spice, bright tamarind and an almost salty note. The tannins are rounded and plush, lending just enough grip. Very long and layered. Utterly delicious and amazingly approachable. …”

NATASHA HUGHES MW, DECANTER