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.

The vivid colour, the perfume of the bouquet, the harmony of the red and black fruits, and the reassurance of precisely tailored tannins all add to the triumph of Prue Henschke in the vineyard, and Stephen Henschke in the winery. The synergy between these parts is such that there’s no hint of a difficult – indeed, very difficult – vintage. 58th release. Date: Aprl 2024; Alcohol: 14.5%; Price: $975.00; Drink by: 2049; Rating: 99 Points; James Halliday; The Weekend Australian

Deep colour, still retaining a good tint of purple, the bouquet dusty/earthy/terracotta at first, then spicy berry fruits and earthy char notes join in, with black-loam nuances and the palate is deep and savoury, full-bodied and well supplied with drying tannins. The wine took time in the glass to reveal the fine detail for which the vineyard is renowned. The finish is big on black pepper drying tannins and savouriness. Concentrated and deep, and begs to be left alone in the cellar for a few years.  Date: Feb 2024; Alcohol: 14.5%; Price: $975.00; Drink: 2026-2044; Rating: 97 Points; Huon Hooke; The Real Review