2024 Henschke Henry's Seven Shiraz Blend

The story behind this wine is one of the great Barossa legends. It pays tribute to Henry Evans, who planted the first seven acres of vines at Keyneton in 1853, only to have his temperance-minded widow, Sarah, uproot them all after his death. Fortunately, the Henschke family revived that pioneering spirit, and this blend has become a modern classic.

The 2024 release comes from a vintage rated as "exceptional" by the estate. It’s a blend of 76% Shiraz, 16% Grenache, 7% Mataro, and 1% Viognier. The magic trick here is the Viognier - it’s co-fermented with the Shiraz (a classic Côte Rôtie technique), which stabilises the colour and lifts the aromatics with a distinct floral apricot note. The Grenache adds juicy red fruit perfume, while the Mataro grounds it all with savoury earth and spice.

Matured for 10 months in French oak hogsheads (only 10% new), the focus is squarely on fruit expression. Thanks to a dry finish to the season, the tannins are ripe and the flavours are vibrant. It is approachable now for its lush fruit, but make no mistake - this has the structure to cellar for 20+ years.

"A wine lifted in the prettiest aromatics and bringing a brisk, bright energy to the glass."
- Jeni Port (Wine Pilot)

"The interplay of fruit and savouriness shines, and food would lift the spicy, earthy notes even further. A great offering at $40."
- Tom Kline (Wine Pilot)