Henschke Hill of Roses Shiraz 2018

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.

Henschke's commitment to excellence and sustainable wine production has garnered well-deserved recognition and accolades. In 2021, the winery was honoured as the Wine Enthusiast New World Winery of the Year, a testament to their exceptional craftsmanship and dedication to pushing the boundaries of winemaking in the New World. Furthermore, Henschke was also named the Winery of the Year by the prestigious Halliday Wine Companion, solidifying their position as a leader in the industry. Additionally, Henschke's unwavering commitment to sustainability and environmentally conscious practices has been acknowledged with the prestigious Robert Parker Wine Advocate Green Emblem. This recognition highlights their remarkable efforts in reducing environmental impact while producing outstanding wines. Henschke's unwavering pursuit of excellence and dedication to sustainable practices make them a true icon in the world of wine.

Hill of Roses is named as a tribute to Johann Gottlieb Rosenzweig, one of the early Barossa Lutheran community who settled at Parrot Hill in the Eden Valley. Their toil, perseverance and conservatism in hardship has meant the many generations that followed have rejoiced in the riches of those efforts. The wine is produced from a small selection of low-yielding, dry-grown shiraz vines from the Hill of Grace Vineyard, planted in 1989 and named the Post Office Block. These vines were a mere 12 years old when the wine was first produced in 2001 and therefore considered too young for inclusion into Hill of Grace Shiraz. The Barossa Old Vine Charter states that a Barossa Old Vine is equal to or greater than 35 years of age. The quality of the grapes however, warranted a separate bottling and limited release, and continue to do so. The historic Parrot Hill Post Office ruins overlooking the vineyard are on the land that was previously Rosenzweig property, the Rosenzweig name translating from German to ‘rose twig’. 

A moderately wet winter combined with average spring conditions meant that the vines grew well in the mild weather. Ideal flowering conditions in late spring/early summer led to the potential for near average yields. Late December became warm and dry, curing healthy canopies with low disease pressure. The summer months of January and February were typically warm and dry, characterised by above-average overnight temperatures March and April provided light and warmth to the Eden Valley which led to full and balanced maturity being achieved across all grape varieties. With warm sunny days and cool nights, the dry autumn guaranteed that pristinely healthy grapes arrived in the fermenters All in all, the 2018 vintage will be considered a standout of the decade. Shiraz was certainly one of the highlights of the season, fittingly so in the year Henske celebrated their 150th anniversary of family winemaking.

The 2018 Henschke Hill of Roses Shiraz is made from 100% 29-year-old shiraz, grown on one single block at the Henschke Hill of Grace Vineyard in the Eden Valley wine region, managed with organic and biodynamic practices. Matured in 29% new and 75% seasoned French oak hogsheads for 18 months prior to blending and bottling.

Deep ruby with ruby hues Fragrant aromas of blackberry, wild red berries, blueberry, star anise and pepper, with hints of vanilla pod, sage, bay leaf, crushed herbs and cooking spices. The palate is rich and textural, with a vibrant core of blueberry, redcurrant and black cherry, supported by rosemary, thyme, anise, pepper and cedar, and beautifully balanced by lifted acidity, offering excellent depth and length, with amazingly fine velvety tannins.

Hill of Roses stands alone with its joyous, aromatic-led personality, its warmth wrapped in dark fruits earth and woods spices, its balance and its length. To borrow from the maker a long, linear, cool line of tannin makes for a relaxed and inviting wine. - Jeni Port, Winepilot, 98 Points

The Finer Details
Style - Red Wine
Varietal -  Shiraz
Country - Australia
Region - Eden Valley, South Australia
Vintage - 2018
Bottle Size - 750ml
ABV - 14.5%