Maker:
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.
Vineyard:
The lead-up to the 2013 vintage saw an early onset of summer, with occasional thunderstorms and only four heat spikes, into the 40s, over summer. A cooler than average January followed by a warm February, brought the predicted early vintage even further forward. Even after the dry-fecta of winter/spring/summer the word from the winery floor was that it would be another great Eden Valley riesling year, followed up with some great old-vine shiraz. Fortunately, a desperately needed 16mm of rain came, the first for nearly six months, at the beginning of March to help the dry-grown vines struggle through to full maturity. The roller-coaster weather ride continued through March with almost weekly cycles of hot and cold. Cool drizzly weather at the end of March nearly brought the harvest to a halt, but with a return to the Indian summer conditions in early April, it gave us a chance to get the late varieties in Eden Valley over the line, predominantly cabernet sauvignon and merlot, returning us to another great vintage of average yields and fabulous rock solid quality.
Style/Cuvee:
Henschke Henrys Seven shiraz, grenache, mataro, viognier blend is a tribute to Henry Evans who planted the first vineyard of seven acres at Keyneton in 1853. This blend highlights the historical introduction of southern French and Spanish varieties to South Australia in those early pioneering days and reflects the history, religion and culture of the Barossa. This vintage is comprised of 60% shiraz, 26% grenache, 7% mataro and 7% viognier grapes grown in the Barossa (Eden Valley and Barossa Valley). Viognier was co-fermented with shiraz; grenache and mataro fermented separately. For maturation, seasoned French hogsheads for 10 months prior to blending and bottling.
Deep garnet with purple hues. Appealing aromas of raspberry, plum, blackberry and red currant fruits are lifted by fragrant floral notes and supported by savoury nuances of rosemary, sage, pepper and anise. The palate bursts with sweet, rich, juicy fruits together with plush textures and fine velvety tannins.
Tasting Notes:
Nose - Dark Fruits, Five Spice, Dried Herbs
Attractive black fruits and red berries. A hint of florality provides a much needed lift to the bouquet. Savoury herbs, brown spices and anise.
Palate - Plush, Juicy, Muscular
Plenty of bright red berries in addition to darker berry-fruit aromas lightened by Grenache and spiced up by the other three grape varieties. There's a very crunchy palate with loads of fleshy fruit.
Finish - Refined, Tobacco, Spicy
There's a wealth of ripe tannins, tobacco and floral flavours that flow into the long and elegant finish. Well-knit and refined.
Deep garnet-purple coloured, the 2013 Henry's Seven (a Shiraz, Grenache, Mataro and Viognier blend) has a nose of blackberries, black cherries and black raspberries with hint of Chinese five spice, aniseed and dried herbs. Medium to full-bodied with a great foundation of firm, chunky tannins and freshness, it has tons of muscular fruit and a good, long and spicy finish. - Wine Advocate
The co-fermentation lifts the fragrance and adds to the cool, spicy feel of the Shiraz. Altogether, this is smooth with fresh blackberry flavors and accents of eucalyptus. Open it on a wintry night to serve with slow-braised pork shoulder. - Wine & Spirits
The Finer Details
Style - Red Wine
Varietal - 60% Shiraz, 26% Grenache, 7% Mataro, 7% Viognier
Country - Australia
Region - Eden and Barossa Valley, South Australia
Vintage - 2013
Bottle Size - 750ml
ABV - 14.5%
