Product Description
The Stone Jar Tempranillo 2023 pays tribute to the legacy of the Henschke family while celebrating the connection to the land and heritage. Named after Stephen and Prue’s grandson, Bosco Nicolas Henschke, who passed away in 2019, this wine is an emotional and memorable tribute to both the family’s history and the varietal’s Spanish roots. With fruit sourced from the Eden Valley Vineyard, on rocky soils at the source of the North Para River, the tempranillo vines were planted from 2000 onwards, continuing the Henschke family’s deep ties to fine winemaking.
The name “Stone Jar” harkens back to the German Silesian tradition of storing wine in stone jars, or krugs, and serves as a nod to Stephen’s grandfather, Paul Alfred, who sold wine in these distinctive jars. The Stone Jar Tempranillo showcases the family’s dedication to crafting wines that express the unique terroir of the Eden Valley while also honouring family history and tradition. The 2023 vintage reflects a challenging year with cool weather leading to slow ripening, which allowed for exceptional flavour development and vibrant acidity. This wine epitomises the balance of tradition and modern winemaking.
Maker:
Henschke is one of Australia's most prestigious and historic wineries, with over 153 years and six generations of family ownership. Located in Keyneton, South Australia, within the renowned Eden Valley wine region, Henschke has built a legacy of crafting premium wines, including its iconic single-vineyard wines, Hill of Grace and Mount Edelstone. Since 1862, the Henschke family has cultivated exceptional vineyards in the Eden Valley, Barossa Valley, and Adelaide Hills, with a focus on quality, sustainability, and innovation.
Stephen and Prue Henschke, the fifth-generation winemaker and viticulturist team, have led the winery since 1979, restoring native vegetation and adopting organic and biodynamic vineyard practices. The sixth generation, led by Johann Henschke, continues to honour the traditions of the past while embracing modern winemaking techniques to ensure Henschke remains a leader in fine wine production.
Henschke's commitment to sustainability and excellence has garnered numerous accolades, including the Wine Enthusiast's New World Winery of the Year (2021) and the Halliday Wine Companion's Winery of the Year. The winery has also been recognised with the Robert Parker Wine Advocate Green Emblem, highlighting its dedication to environmentally conscious practices.
Philosophy
Henschke’s philosophy is deeply rooted in the belief that great wines are made in the vineyard. The winery has embraced organic and biodynamic farming practices, ensuring the health of the vines and the land for future generations. By working with nature rather than against it, they produce wines that are not only reflective of the place but also allow the true expression of the fruit to come through. The family’s attention to detail, commitment to quality, and respect for the environment have resulted in a portfolio of wines that have gained worldwide recognition for their excellence.
Tasting Notes:
NOSE
Complex Aromatics
Vibrant, offering a bouquet of spiced plum, raspberry, and black cherry, accented by nuances of anise, cinnamon, white pepper, and musk. These aromas give the wine an immediate depth and intrigue.
PALATE
Dynamic and Savoury
Red berry fruits are elevated with the addition of tamarillo, supported by a savoury core of dried herbs and brown spice. The texture is ethereal yet focused, with an undercurrent of spice that adds to the complexity of the wine.
FINISH
Lingering and Fine-Grained
Fine, peppery tannins that beautifully balance the wine’s fruit-forward nature, leaving an impression of freshness and depth.
Reviews + Accolades
Fell in love with this wine a few years ago and I still pine to see every vintage. Vibrant energy red fruits with a raspberry savoury and slightly minerally dried herb influence providing such complementary balance and poise. The middle palate is all that sweet succulence of the variety while the finish is dry savoury. Only older oak has been used to preserve the impeccable fruit flavours. - Ray Jordan, Winepilot, 96 Points.
Vibrant ruby and purple tones in the glass. Ripe mulberry, mocha and cured beef aromas. Full bodied with a richness to the flow that offers generosity and appeal but with a firm framework of tannins sitting around it. Dark spices, boudin noir and tar notes add layers, making for a complex and intriguing wine. Stuart Knox, The Real Review, 93 Points.
The Finer Details
Style - Red Wine
Varietal - Tempranillo
Country - Australia
Region - Eden Valley, South Australia
Vintage - 2023
Bottle Size - 750ml
ABV - 14%