Henschke Johann's Garden 2022

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.

Johann's Garden is named as a tribute to the early Silesian community of the Barossa, many of whom carried the first name of Johann. Their toil, perseverance and conservatism in hardship has meant that the many generations that followed rejoiced in the riches of their prudent efforts. This blend is just one of those blessings. The traditions and culture have survived to this day. including the traditional winemaking techniques of open-top fermentation used in this Grenache blend. It is produced from low-yielding Barossa Survivor Vines, categorised by the Barossa Old Vine Charter as vines that are equal or greater than 70 years old. These gnarled, dry-grown bush and trellised vines are grown on limestone soils from selected vineyards in the Barossa Valley. Barossa growers traditionally referred to their vineyard as their garden, from the German weingarten.

Grenache and Mataro were vinified separately then matured in seasoned French oak hogsheads for 10 months prior to blending and bottling. Bright ruby with garnet hues. Perfumed aromas of freshly cut plum and rhubarb are complemented by delicate notes of violet and lavender, with alluring hints of fresh mace, nutmeg and white pepper. The palate is rich, juicy and plush, with fresh red berries, raspberry and vanilla spice flavours, carried by fresh acidity and a long, elegant finish of fine tannins.

This has become a more sophisticated wine over the years. There’s a mineral aspect, and a run of graphite, both of which go perfectly with the licorice and raspberry characters, not to mention the earthen, almost rusty spice notes. A whisper of reduction has been put to positive effect, while fine sheets of tannin lend the entire back half of the wine an impression of dryness and control. This wine is clearly and abundantly ripe, without being overly sweet. It’s excellent. Campbell Mattinson, The Wine Front, 94 Points.

The Finer Details
Style - Red Wine
Varietal -  Grenache 79%, Mataro 21%
Country - Australia
Region - Barossa Valley, South Australia
Vintage - 2022
Bottle Size - 750ml
ABV - 14.5%