Henschke - Wheelright - Shiraz

The Wheelwright and the Cyril Henschke Vineyards are adjacent and rest at an elevation of 470 meters above seal level, numbering them among some of the highest vineyards in the region. The 1.6-hectare single vineyard from which the fruit hails is planted on a combination of sandy loam and clay, over a bedrock of mica schist and faces in a north through west to south aspect. The 2018 The Wheelwright Single Vineyard Shiraz is 100% Shiraz, matured in a combination of new (21%) and seasoned (79%) French oak (65%) and American oak (35%) hogsheads for 18 months prior to blending and bottling. According to the Barossa Old Vine Charter, an "old vine" is equal to or greater than 35 years of age. I love Eden Valley Syrah/Shiraz for its ability to convey fresh raspberry, black tea, crushed rocks and licorice, each in equal measure, not to mention inflections of sage, bay leaf and even rosemary. The wines are elegant (even when produced in a full-throttle style, which this is not) and age gracefully. Eden Valley looks sensational in this excellent vintage, the 2018 The Wheelwright Single Vineyard Shiraz especially so. As an avid proponent of the screw-cap closure, it is important to note that upon opening, all wines in this release looked cramped and closed. With time in the glass (and no small amount of vigorous swirling), the wines opened up beautifully. A decant prior to drinking is highly recommended, especially if you are going to be drinking them early (i.e., anytime from 2023 - 2033).