The prestigious Australian winery Henschke has remained a family-owned establishment for over 153 years and six generations. Situated in Keyneton, South Australia, within the esteemed Eden Valley wine region, Henschke proudly stands as a distinguished member of Australia's First Families of Wine. Since its inception in 1862, when Johann Christian Henschke planted a modest vineyard in Keyneton, the Henschke family has continuously crafted exceptional wines, forging a legacy of excellence with vineyards in the Eden Valley, Barossa Valley and Adelaide Hills, including acclaimed single-vineyards, Hill of Grace and Mount Edelstone.
The fifth-generation winemaker Stephen Carl Henschke and his viticulturist wife Prue took over the operation of the winery in 1979 and they are recognised around the world for their exceptional quality wines, innovative spirit, focus on restoring native vegetation, organic and biodynamic practices in the vineyard. Johann Stephen Henschke, the eldest of Stephen and Prue’s three children has become the sixth generation member of the Henschke family since 1983. With the background of higher education in wine making, viticulture and oenology, Johann is now based at the family winery as winemaker and viticulturist while playing an important role of transferring his skill set and knowledge from the fifth to sixth generation. As the next generation prepares to navigate the well-documented challenges that lie ahead, Johann recognizes the indispensability of innovation and meticulous strategic planning. However, amidst these considerations, he firmly believes in upholding the time-honoured winemaking techniques that have been cherished by the Henschke family for generations. By ensuring that the legacy of Henschke is nurtured with the same prudence and care as it has always been, Johann and his peers can pass on a heritage that will endure and command the same esteemed reputation that it enjoys today.
In 1981, fifth-generation winemaker Stephen, and Prue Henschke purchased a property in the Adelaide Hills with the intention of planting varieties well suited to the cooler climate of the region. The vineyard was originally part of a beautiful valley of apple orchards and natural forest that were destroyed by the Ash Wednesday bushfires in 1983. The pinot noir vineyard has been named after Charles Giles, an early pioneer whose descendants had managed the property as an apple orchard since 1864.
Stepping back in time to 2006, the vintage shaped up as another high quality year but with only average yields in Eden Valley and the Adelaide Hills. After a late break in mid-June last year, winter and spring rains were some of the best for years in the lead-up to flowering in early summer. The vines were vigorous and lush at first but slowly underwent mild stress during berry development, helping to keep the berry size small. Brief heat waves occurred in late January and mid-February but were early enough not to affect quality, with only minor sunburn on exposed fruit. After a warmer than usual spell in late March and with the weather firing up again, picking continued with shiraz from Hill of Grace, Mount Edelstone and Eden Valley and pinot noir from Lenswood.
The Lenswood vineyard slopes offer not only beautiful views towards the older vine country, sitting at an altitude of 550m with an annual average rainfall of 1100mm, but also provide enough sunshine to fully ripen the grapes, together with cooler temperatures to retain natural acidity. Matured in 19% new and 81% seasoned French barriques for 9 months prior to blending and bottling.
Nose - Lifted Aromatics, Wild Forest Berries, Dried Herbs
Intense and lifted aromas of sweet black cherries, wild raspberries and cranberries, with hints of cinnamon, crushed marjoram and fennel seed.
Palate - Concentrated, Bright, Forest Floor
Concentrated, bright flavours of red cherries and cranberries appear on an elegant palate, balanced by a focussed redcurrant acidity, dried herbs, and minerality. Tannins and soft and chalky.
Finish - Fine, Toasty, Mineral
Coffee, vanillan oak influences with a long lingering finish.
You might have to search a little to find this, but if you happen to stumble across some, don't hesitate. It's a very good Pinot Noir, with varietally correct aromas and flavors that range from flowers to cherries, all framed by hints of coffee and vanilla. — Joe Czerwinski, WineEnthusiast.com
The Finer Details
Style - Red Wine
Varietal - Pinot Noir
Country - Australia
Region - Adelaide Hills, South Australia
Vintage - 2006
Bottle Size - 750ml
ABV - 13.5%
