Henschke Wines, Mount Edelstone Shiraz, 2018
Henschke Wines, Mount Edelstone Shiraz, 2018
- Organic
- Biodynamic
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The beautiful and historic name Mount Edelstone is a translation from the German Edelstein meaning ‘gemstone’, a reference to small yellow opals once found in the area. The Mount Edelstone vineyard was planted in 1912 by Ronald Angas, a descendant of George Fife Angas who founded The South Australian Company and played a significant part in the formation and establishment of South Australia. Unusual for its time, the vineyard was planted solely to shiraz. 17.5 pts, Jancis Robinson
What the critics say:
"Outstanding old-vine Shiraz doesn’t need to shout to be heard. From the 103-year-old Mount Edelstone Vineyard, this opens to a mild, measured nose of vibrant red fruits, then a highly strung palate of redcurrant, plum, raspberry and blueberry with liquorice and wild fennel peeking beneath. A very bright, high-acid line keeps the flavours sharply honed, ensuring the slender palate line remains taut and prim. An earthy foil chimes in on the long finish."
"This was the first wine sold in bottle ('52) by Henschke, although it has had to play second fiddle to Grange since '58 when the latter came on stream. New oak is only 22%, and the majority of the oak is French. The vintage was excellent, the flavours deep, with soft blackberry and plum fruits wending their way across the palate, cushioned by cedary oak and carefully polished tannins. It's utterly classic drinking, with unalloyed pleasure now but no less in another 20 years."
"A very profound sage note here with wild brambleberries, bay leaf and subtle oak influence, cast across a green-peppercorn and mint-tea nuance with such bright red berries and plums. The palate has a super plush and elegant shape and fine, velvety-tannin texture with plush, long red plums. Such poise and elegance with length and concentration here. An exceptional vintage for Mount Edelstone. Drink or hold."
"Remarkably bright purplish crimson, the sort of colour I'd expect from a Cabernet more than from a Shiraz. Hugely medicinal on the nose of this — positively a poultice! Such intensity and so much history in this beautifully balanced wine. You just know you're tasting vine-growing rather than winemaking here (sorry, Stephen). Everything seems so healthy and in balance. No sweetness but rather herby savour and appetising layers of fully ripe fruit. Not at all like Barossa Valley floor Shiraz — much more lifted and cooler. There's a certain tarriness here too. Definitely to be drunk with food and its considerable tannins have just crept up on my while I marvelled at the fruit. Ideally to be kept. Tasted 24 hours later, a certain (black) pepperiness was evident on the nose and there was more obvious ripeness beating the tannins into submission. Very clean, appetising finish."
