2016 Henschke Mount Edelstone Shiraz Eden Valley, Australia

Winemaker Notes

Deep crimson with violet hues. Fragrant, spicy aromas of black pepper, sage, bay leaf and anise are interwoven with vibrant Satsuma plum, blackberry and blueberry, and gentle tarragon and cedar notes. The palate is complex and textured with rich and concentrated flavours of mulberry, blackberry and Satsuma plum, layered with sage, black pepper and star anise. The finish is beautifully balanced, with long, velvety tannins and excellent depth.

Press

Rated 98 Points James Suckling
This has intense spice and sage, as well as bay-leaf aromas with intense, vivid blackberries and red plums. Blueberry notes, too. There’s so much spice, violet and bergamot, together with black tea-like notes. The palate has an immaculately framed tannin structure with rich blackberries and blueberries, as well as plum notes. This layers up so nicely on the palate. Very intense and powerful yet fine texture. An exceptional vintage for Mt. Edelstone. From vines planted in 1912. Drink or hold.

Rated 96 Points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2016 Mount Edelstone Vineyard Shiraz is steeped in complexity, with aromas ranging from camphor, bay leaf and sage to smoke and grilled beef and from blueberries and blackberries to plums laced with spice. Full-bodied, rich and intense, it's ripe and velvety textured, with a long, licorice-tinged finish and dusty tannins that bode well for the cellar. From vines planted in 1912, I suspect this will come close to the quality of the Hill of Grace at a fraction of the price. Tasted again the following day from the open bottle, this was even better, seamless, flowing and harmonious in the mouth.

Rated 94 Points Wine Spectator
Aromatic and elegant, but definitely not shy, showing rich, pure wild blackberry puree, huckleberry and blueberry pie flavors on a silky frame, with details of Earl Grey tea, palo santo, cigar box and salted dark chocolate. Ends with a tremendous finish that goes on and on. Drink now through 2046.