2024 Henry's Seven

Barossa

Shiraz Grenache Mataro Viognier

Crimson with violet hues. Captivating aromas of blueberry, mulberry, raspberry and satsuma plum, with notes of violet, lavender, mace, bay leaf and sage. The palate is rich and elegant, with fresh red and blue fruits interlaced with savoury spice, clove, white pepper and cedar, offering generous depth and well-integrated fine tannins that  carry through to a long finish.

$40.00
$40.00
Crimson with violet hues. Captivating aromas of blueberry, mulberry, raspberry and satsuma plum, with notes of violet...

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BACKGROUND

This shiraz, grenache, mataro and viognier blend is a tribute to Henry Evans who planted the first vineyard of seven acres at Keyneton in 1853. He quickly developed a reputation for producing the best wines in the southern colony. Following Henry’s death in 1868, his widow Sarah exercised her temperance convictions by closing the winery and uprooting all of the wine grapes. This blend highlights the historical introduction of southern French and Spanish varieties to South Australia in those early days of viticulture and reflects the history, religion and culture of the Barossa.

PRODUCT INFORMATION

Varieties: 76% Shiraz 16% Grenache 7% Mataro 1% Viognier

Harvest Date: 29 February – 15 April

Alcohol: 14.5%

Vintage Rating: Exceptional vintage

Maturation: The viognier was co-fermented with shiraz, while the grenache and mataro were fermented separately. Matured in 10% new French oak hogsheads and 90% seasoned oak hogsheads for 10 months prior to blending and bottling.

Cellaring Potential: 20+ years (from vintage)

VINTAGE

The 2024 vintage began with high June rainfall, providing a strong foundation for the season, followed by dry conditions from August through to October, and a warmer than average September that accelerated budburst and later phenology. Substantial rain events between late November and early January supported excellent canopy growth and berry development, setting the vines up well for a notably dry summer, with no rainfall in February. Short bursts of heat promoted ripening, leading to an earlier than usual Barossa Valley harvest in late February. All Barossa Valley shiraz was picked by early March and the cooler weather later in the month provided optimal conditions for ripening and harvesting mataro, which extended into early April. Shiraz, grenache and mataro were standout varieties of the season, delivering exceptional quality. The 2024 vintage reflects a balance of timely rain, ideal canopy growth, and a dry, warm finish, resulting in vibrant and expressive wines.

TASTING NOTES

This shiraz, grenache, mataro and viognier blend is a tribute to Henry Evans who planted the first vineyard of seven acres at Keyneton in 1853. He quickly developed a reputation for producing the best wines in the southern colony. Following Henry’s death in 1868, his widow Sarah exercised her temperance convictions by closing the winery and uprooting all of the wine grapes. This blend highlights the historical introduction of southern French and Spanish varieties to South Australia in those early days of viticulture and reflects the history, religion and culture of the Barossa.

Varieties: 76% Shiraz 16% Grenache 7% Mataro 1% Viognier

Harvest Date: 29 February – 15 April

Alcohol: 14.5%

Vintage Rating: Exceptional vintage

Maturation: The viognier was co-fermented with shiraz, while the grenache and mataro were fermented separately. Matured in 10% new French oak hogsheads and 90% seasoned oak hogsheads for 10 months prior to blending and bottling.

Cellaring Potential: 20+ years (from vintage)

The 2024 vintage began with high June rainfall, providing a strong foundation for the season, followed by dry conditions from August through to October, and a warmer than average September that accelerated budburst and later phenology. Substantial rain events between late November and early January supported excellent canopy growth and berry development, setting the vines up well for a notably dry summer, with no rainfall in February. Short bursts of heat promoted ripening, leading to an earlier than usual Barossa Valley harvest in late February. All Barossa Valley shiraz was picked by early March and the cooler weather later in the month provided optimal conditions for ripening and harvesting mataro, which extended into early April. Shiraz, grenache and mataro were standout varieties of the season, delivering exceptional quality. The 2024 vintage reflects a balance of timely rain, ideal canopy growth, and a dry, warm finish, resulting in vibrant and expressive wines.

94 Points
"Vibrant red and black cherry, pomegranate, dried flowers, fresh herbs, licorice and spice. The palate is medium-bodied with a luscious mid-palate, fine-boned tannins and a fruit-driven finish with a lovely savory earthy note."

RYAN MONTGOMERY, WINEPILOT.COM

94 Points
"Fragrant with blueish petals, violet to the fore, as well as crushed, fresh kitchen herbs and a distant note of freshly sawn timber... Styled in the crunchy, juicy, red berry flavour spectrum, crimson plums between tart and softly ripe leading the fruit, bay and sage adding their herbal edge, the palate still has decent grip in the finish..."

TONY LOVE, WINEPILOT.COM

93 Points
"Bright magenta/crimson with juicy red and dark plum fruits, blueberry and raspberry coulis. Hints of citrus blossom, medina spice, gingerbread, licorice, cured meats, turned earth and sage. Supple and composed in its travel, with fine, sandy tannins and a bright red apple skin acidity on the fade out."

DAVE BROOKES, HALLIDAY WINE COMPANION

17/20
"Translucent crimson. Firm and structured with good, pure fruit within the framework of carefully managed tannin. Savoury rather than the sweetness of Johann’s Garden. But already approachable – just. Clean and pure. Good balance and composition."

JANCIS ROBINSON, JANCISROBINSON.COM

93 Points
"Raspberry coulis, cassia bark, blood plum, subtle black pepper, and tilled earth. Game meat notes mix with gentle char. The palate carries the same restraint but with juicy fruit weight and velvety texture – blood plum, blackberry, dark cherry, nutmeg, earth, game, and black pepper again. Dark fruit meets a light touch, never descending into heaviness. Approachable tannins tow the finish to good length."

TOM KLINE, WINEPILOT.COM