At a glance

Producer

Henschke

Region

Eden Valley, South Australia

Grape variety

Shiraz

Wine type

Red

Body

Full-bodied and Bold

Sweetness

Dry

Typical price

$180-$250

Tasting profile

Dense plum, blackberry, spice, leather, and graphite notes with robust tannic structure

Evolution: Will evolve to reveal more complex earthy and savory layers, integrated oak, and tertiary notes over 10-15 years

At peak: Expect profound depth with silky tannins and layered complexity at peak maturity

Structure

Acidity

Medium-high, balancing the richness

Tannins

High, fine-grained and well-integrated

Alcohol

Approximately 14.5%

Aging potential

30-40+ years from vintage given quality and vintage conditions

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2030 to 2054

Optimal window

2025 to 2057

Current status

Approaching early drinking window; gaining complexity

Current condition

Still youthful with prominent tannins and concentrated fruit flavors

Based on Henschke's reputation, the vineyard's terroir at Mount Edelstone, and 2017 vintage quality, the wine exhibits classic Barossa/Eden Valley Shiraz structure with long aging potential. Top vintages age gracefully over decades with evolving complexity.

Food pairing

Grilled or slow-roasted red meats, game dishes, mature cheeses, and rich stews complement this wine’s intensity.

Serving

Serving temperature

16-18°C / 61-64°F

Decant

Yes (1-2 hours) — Allows tannins to soften and aromatic complexity to open up

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 7/10

Henschke employs sustainable farming including careful vineyard management to minimize chemical use, water-efficient irrigation, solar energy use, and lightweight packaging to reduce environmental impact.

While not certified organic or biodynamic, Henschke invests in sustainable viticulture and winery practices aiming to reduce environmental footprint, conserve water and energy, and promote biodiversity in vineyards. These initiatives contribute positively to the sustainability score.