Henschke Tappa Pass Shiraz 2022 (Eden & Barossa Valley)

The Barossa has a core of grape growers of German Silesian descent dating back six generations, staunchly continuing the traditions of their forebears. Up to 70-year-old, low-yielding shiraz is selected from historical grower vineyards at Tappa Pass and Light Pass, growing in low-fertility soils that range from terra rossa to red-brown earths, derived from Neoproterozoic bedrock more than 542 million years old. These vineyards provide exceptional quality shiraz fruit from both the Eden Valley and Barossa Valley regions of the Barossa, vinified in traditional open-top fermenters.

Above average 2021 winter rainfall helped to refill soil profiles and the cool, slow start to the growing season resulted in bud-burst occurring slightly later than average. A frost event occurred on 11 October, followed by an extreme hail event on 28 October, and the cold and wet weather in mid-November coincided with flowering, which impacted fruit-set and potential yields. December and January provided a burst of summer heat, however at the beginning of vintage another severe weather event dealt a deluge of rain and even more hail to some parts of the region. While mild and dry conditions followed, the cumulative impacts of the season’s weather events resulted in lower yields across the region. The 2022 wines show great aromatics, balance of acidity and a bright core of flavour.