2016 henschke, mount edelstone vineyard, eden valley
Why We're Buying
Henschke is home to some of Australia's finest single-vineyard wines. Mount Edelstone Shiraz comes from ungrafted vines planted in 1912 that produce ultra-lush and dynamic fruit. This shiraz jumped 49.5 in value from 2017 to 2021.
Critics Scores
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2016 Mount Edelstone Vineyard Shiraz is steeped in complexity, with aromas ranging from camphor, bay leaf and sage to smoke and grilled beef and from blueberries and blackberries to plums laced with spice. Full-bodied, rich and intense, it's ripe and velvety textured, with a long, licorice-tinged finish and dusty tannins that bode well for the cellar. From vines planted in 1912, I suspect this will come close to the quality of the Hill of Grace at a fraction of the price. Tasted again the following day from the open bottle, this was even better, seamless, flowing and harmonious in the mouth. Date: May 2020; Drink: 2022-2040;
Decanter
Powerful but unobtrusive tannins – like an engine purring – support dark, perfectly ripe blackberry, mulberry and plum fruit, with hints of strawberry, red fruit leather and smoked charcuterie notes from the oak. Spice and dried herb nuances unfurl over three days, beautifully articulating the terroir and its 104-year-old vines through notes of black pepper, sage, tea tree, star anise, mint and cardamom. Ripe and refreshing redcurrant sustains the sweet, spiced fruit through the long, sinuous finish. Terrific purity, poise and panache. Date: March 2021;
Wine Spectator
Aromatic and elegant, but definitely not shy, showing rich, pure wild blackberry puree, huckleberry and blueberry pie flavors on a silky frame, with details of Earl Grey tea, palo santo, cigar box and salted dark chocolate. Ends with a tremendous finish that goes on and on. Drink now through 2046.