Henschke Henry's Seven 2023 (Barossa & Eden Valley)

81% Shiraz, 11% Grenache, 6% Mataro and 2% Viognier grown in the Barossa (84% Barossa Valley and 16% Eden Valley).

This Shiraz, Grenache, Mataro and Viognier blend is a tribute to Henry Evans who planted the first vineyard of seven acres at Keyneton in 1853. He quickly developed a reputation for producing the best wines in the southern colony. Following Henry’s death in 1868, his widow Sarah exercised her temperance convictions by closing the winery and uprooting all of the wine grapes. This blend highlights the historical introduction of southern French and Spanish varieties to South Australia in those early days of viticulture and reflects the history, religion and culture of the Barossa.

The Viognier was co-fermented with Shiraz, while the Grenache and Mataro were fermented separately. Matured in 5% new (99% French, 1% American) and 95% seasoned oak hogsheads for 10 months prior to blending and bottling.

By late winter the soil profiles had been refilled with well above average rainfall, which continued throughout spring. The wet conditions encouraged the spread of fungal disease, such as downy mildew. Shoot thinning during the growing season to open up the canopy helped to overcome disease pressure. A dry and cool December, which continued throughout summer, impacted late flowering and fruit set. Light rain events in autumn resulted in a slower ripening period in the lead up to harvest, which provided great flavour development and acid retention. Despite the challenges of the season, yields were above average with larger berry size compensating for the poor set. The 2023 vintage will be remembered for excellent quality wines with fruit purity, good structure, mature tannins and great length.