Henschke 2016 releases – Hill of Grace and more

Normally Stephen and Prue Henschke do not release their Hill of Grace Shiraz and Mount Edelstone Shiraz together.

But in the bounteous, sweet blackberry-filled and spice-scented 2016 vintage, the Eden Valley-based family winery is simultaneously launching the 59th and 64th vintages from these iconic single vineyards. As well as the 13th release of Hill of Roses Shiraz, a two-barrel rarity.

Scroll down for Sarah Ahmed’s first taste of the Henschke 2016 releases

Dubbed The Congregation of the Ancients, the Shiraz trio ‘lined up for release beautifully’, explained sixth-generation Justine Henschke. She and the family held a virtual tasting for Decanter ahead of the wines’ global launch on 5 May.

Stephen even took a break from harvest to give the first indications of this year’s crop. ‘2021 is an amazing vintage,’ he enthused. ‘One of the coolest summers for 18 or 19 years, with a mild autumn.’

As with the 2015 vintage, Stephen and Prue classified the 2016 vintage ‘exceptional’. And with Henschke’s focus being single-vineyard wines, the voice of both vintage and site shine in the new releases.

In 2016, the Shiraz is plusher and more velvety, with riper fruit and tannins compared with 2015. Stephen explained that temperatures were a degree warmer and drought conditions over the winter produced lower yields and smaller berries.

With timely bursts of rain that year at veraison and in late January and March, the fruit is also vibrant and incredibly youthful, with tremendous ageing potential.

Trademark elegance

Henschke’s trademark elegance is evident throughout the single-vineyard wines, including the Cyril Henschke Cabernet Sauvignon.

‘While Eden Valley is identifiably about Shiraz and Riesling, over 40 years we have proved we can make beautiful Cabernet too,’ said Stephen. It is ‘his career in a bottle’, added Prue.

They coax out elegance too, in the latest release of introductory red Henry’s Seven – a blend of Shiraz, Grenache and Mataro (aka Mourvèdre) from the warm 2019 vintage.

Prue’s sensitive organic and biodynamic cultivation and her husband’s ultra-refined use of oak and extraction stand out prominently in the single-vineyard wines. The differences between the elite Shiraz trio sing out, highlighting Eden Valley’s complex matrix of soils and micro-climates.

It will be fascinating to see if Hill of Grace’s ‘chip off the old block,’ Hill of Roses, is eventually incorporated into the alma mater, like two older Post Office Blocks at the vineyard have been.

‘The expectation is there,’ said Stephen. ‘it is like watching your kids grow up, knowing they will be wonderful and amazing.’

Contact UK importer Liberty Wines for allocations and stockists.

Sarah Ahmed tastes the Henschke 2016 releases

You might also like…

Yalumba: producer profile and latest releases tasted

Penfolds releases Californian-Australian Wine of the World for £545/$700

Best Australian Shiraz under £25 to buy