At a glance

Producer

Hentley Farm

Region

Barossa Valley, Australia

Grape variety

Shiraz (Syrah)

Wine type

Red

Body

Full-bodied and Bold

Sweetness

Dry

Typical price

AUD 120-160/bottle (USD 80-110/bottle retail, as of mid-2024)

Tasting profile

Concentrated blackberry, plum, black cherry, dark chocolate, licorice, black pepper, vanilla, dense oak, and youthful toasty notes. Powerful palate with tannic backbone and vibrant acidity.

Evolution: Further aging will bring integration of tannins, reduction of oak and alcohol perception, and emergence of tertiary notes like leather, earth, tobacco, dried herbs, and truffle. Fruit will shift from fresh to dried and savory tones.

At peak: At peak, the wine will show seamless tannin integration, harmonious oak, layered dark fruit, hints of mocha and spices, and complex, savory tertiary notes—balanced, long, and persistent finish.

Structure

Acidity

Medium to medium-plus; lends freshness and balances dense fruit, will keep wine lively as it matures

Tannins

Full, robust, and firm—fine-grained but prominent, beginning to soften but still have significant grip

Alcohol

High (typically 15%+ ABV), currently youthful and slightly assertive, will integrate further with age

Aging potential

15-18 years from vintage (2035-2038), with best drinking typically centered within 10-12 years of vintage

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2027 to 2032

Optimal window

2025 to 2036

Current status

Approachable but will benefit from further aging

Current condition

Structured, youthful with powerful fruit, primary and secondary elements present, but tertiary integration is minimal

The 2027-2032 window is peak because this period allows primary fruit, oak, and tannin to integrate harmoniously without significant loss of freshness or vibrancy. During this time, development of complexity, texture refinement, and full aromatic expression occur. After peak, fruit intensity may fade, tannins may resolve fully, and tertiary flavors (earth, leather, soy) can begin to dominate, sometimes leading to diminishing balance and vibrancy.

Food pairing

Classic matches: grilled ribeye, lamb shanks, venison, barbecue beef, pepper-crusted steaks, or hearty oxtail stew. With age (post-peak), pair with roasted game, mushroom ragout, braised short ribs, or aged hard cheeses. As tannins soften, dishes with earthy, umami, or game flavors will align superbly.

Serving

Decant

Yes (1-2 hours) — The wine has full, robust tannins that are beginning to soften, which indicates that decanting will help further integrate the flavors and soften the mouthfeel.

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 7/10

Biodiversity corridors, water management initiatives, minimal chemical intervention, use of cover crops

Hentley Farm demonstrates a commitment to local sustainability initiatives and responsible farming, contributing to improved soil health and ecosystem support, but lacks comprehensive third-party organic or biodynamic certifications