2019 The Wheelwright Shiraz

From 1968 plantings, the Wheelwright is a relatively new addition to the Henschke range, which has very much come of age in 2019. The Shiraz The Wheelwright delivers a powerful yet well-controlled core of blackberry, woodsmoke and soy sauce aromas with significant layers of dried herbs and charcuterie. It is sturdy and focused with a strong tannin backbone before opening out with expressive earthy, meaty olive tapenade tones. Excellent shape and balance drive an exceptionally long, seamless finish.

- Angus Hughson (07/2024)

Smoky charcuterie notes mesh with dried lavender, tapenade, eucalyptus and violets. The tannins are firm and pliant. A full-weighted wine that is typical if the region and likely of ample potential. Yet for now, it lacks elegance and is a bit monochromatic. Best after 2028. Glass stopper.

- Ned Goodwin (04/2024)

Blackberry, raspberry and black cherry notes are generous and mingle with a hint of roasted beet, which adds an appealing earthy note. There's a juicy element, fine-grained tannins and notes of nutmeg and oolong tea on the finish. Syrah. Drink now through 2035. 300 cases made, 50 cases imported. 

- M.W.

The first vintage of this wine was the 2015 vintage. It was named after Stephen's great great grandfather who started Henschke. The fruit is from the old vines at the back of the vineyard on contours. The soil type is sandy loam, with a cap of gravel and prismatic clays below that. This allows the roots to reach deep into the earth. On the nose, this 2019 The Wheelwright Single Vineyard Shiraz is floral and red fruited, with cherry and raspberry, rose petals and brine, layers of pomegranate and spice. The vines were planted in 1968 and 1969, and the age of them contributes some of the complex depth of the wine. It's a lovely wine that is elegant and spicy, with graphite and mineral through the finish. 14.5% alcohol, sealed under screw cap.

- Erin Larkin (04/2024)