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 Mount Edelstone vineyard, situated in the Eden Valley, was planted in 1912 by Ronald Angas, a descendant of George Fife Angas, who founded South Australia. Unusual for its time, it was planted solely to shiraz. The ancient 500 million-year-old soils on the vineyard are deep red-brown clay-loam to clay, resulting in low yields from over 100 year-old dry-grown, ungrafted centenarian vines. First bottled as a single-vineyard wine in 1952, it became recognised as one of the greatest shiraz wines in Australia.

The 61st vintage, from 101yo ungrafted dry-grown vines, matured for 18 months in 81% French and 19% American hogsheads (34% new). The decision to hold back the release of this shiraz until after the '14 was correct - this is a densely packed wine destined for a long life as vertical tastings have proved again and again, intensity and focus achieved without apparent effort. Medium-bodied, but with compelling black fruits riding on the back of tannins and carefully measured oak. Date: Nov 2017; Alcohol: 14.5%; Drink by: 2043; Rating: 97 Points; James Halliday Wine Companion

Deep ruby/brick-red colour, the bouquet evoking smoked meats, dusty terracotta earth and roasting pan aromas, with savoury/oaky overtones. In the mouth it’s full-bodied and again very dry, savoury and layered with terracotta, bresaola, seed spices and dried herbs galore. Tannins are supple and abundant, still providing a good backbone but mellowing out nicely. It's in a good place right now but has plenty of time left. Date: Feb 2024; Alcohol: 14.5%; Price: $315.00; Drink: 2024-2035; Rating: 96 Points; Huon Hooke; The Real Review