The acclaimed Henschke family, foundation members of Australia’s First Families of Wine, was one of the pioneering families of South Australia when Johann Christian Henschke migrated from Silesia (Germany in 1841). Each generation has contributed to the legend with fourth generation Cyril Henschke pioneering varietal, single-vineyard wines in the 1950s, most famously Mount Edelstone and Hill of Grace Shiraz. Fifth-generation winemaker Stephen and his viticulturist wife Prue have won many awards for their talent, innovation and integration of vineyard and winery. They lead the way with environmental, biodynamic and organic principles. Henschke wines are handcrafted and deeply personal, reflecting the unique terroir of vineyards: the wine names tell either a personal story of the family or the cultural history of their region.

Very deep, concentrated brick-red colour of appropriate maturity, the bouquet dominated by earthy/forest-floor savoury tertiary aromas with old leather armchairs, terracotta and dried porcini mushroom aromas to the fore. A subtle trace of licorice. Sumptuous palate flavour, with masses of tannin but also a core of sweet fruit endures. The finish is energetic and driving, the aftertaste lingers on for an eternity. A majestic mature shiraz in the prime of lts life. A great wine! Date: Feb 2024; Alcohol: 14.5%; Price: $650.00; Drink: 2024-2033; Rating: 99 Points; Huon Hooke; The Real Review

Deep purple-crimson, even after five years. It is explosively rich and decadent, with oceans of sumptuous black fruits which have soaked up the new and used French oak, and carry the alcohol with contemptuous ease. The grapes were picked early each morning between March 9 and March 13, after the heatwave had started, but before its conclusion. Each block was separately made and matured, and the final blend is not made until shortly before bottling. Date: Feb 2013; Alcohol: 14.5%;  Drink by: 2038; Rating: 98 Points; James Halliday Wine Companion