Henschke Mt Edelstone Shiraz 2016

“The 2016 harvest was a little more challenging in terms of how the season progressed, though the end was brilliant”, says vigneron Stephen Henschke, “from quite good set in the vines, mild Spring, heat in Summer, it set the 2016s up for quite a plush structure, slightly different character to 2015s, more fruit driven, quite fruit driven, mature tannins, but lots of flavour and texture across the palate”. It still seems to be a balancing point here, not ‘Barossa Valley red wine’ in ‘style’, but characteristic of the vineyard and Eden Valley. “Edelstone classic character is spice, sage, black pepper spice, black and blueberry”, offers Henschke, “lots of complexity”. Good to keep in mind. This wine sees 80% French, 20% American oak and not much of that new. Two years in barrel.

Rich, ripe scents, overlay of sandalwood and cedar, new leather and slapped sage leaf, black currants and black olive too. That perfume improves over time, more evocative, more delicious, more everything, fantastic. Slippery, sleek and fine to taste, succulent with a generous side, dark, brooding berry fruits, compote sweet and rich but with a freshness of acidity that counterbalances nicely and the word ‘purity’ comes to mind. Epic wine, so much going on, incredibly detailed and quietly powerful. Wonderful release speaking so fluently of stately old vine and intensity of fruit. Drink 2021-2050+ 96+ points - Mike Bennie, The Wine Front.

The vineyard was planted in 1912, hand-picked, matured in 80% French and 20% American hogsheads (19% new). The vintage was challenging, but this shiraz shows no sign of that. It is full-bodied, very complex and very long, the tannins expertly massaged and drawn under the fruit. Blackberry, tar and bitter dark chocolate all contribute to what will be a very long-lived wine. Drink to 2051. 97 Points. James Halliday, Halliday's Wine Companion.