Vintage Description
The 2016 vintage began with well below-average winter rainfall, followed by a warm and dry spring, which enhanced flowering and set to give average to above-average yield potential. Low disease pressure was maintained by one of the hottest Decembers on record, though temperatures cooled down in the New Year and rainfall around veraison in late January brought relief to the dry-grown, old-vine Eden Valley vineyards. This was followed by further rainfall in early March which eased the stress on all varieties. The fruit matured with an earlier harvest, as predicted due to an early Easter. Open, light and airy vine canopies allowed for good flavour, sugar and colour and mature tannins to develop at harvest, which was overall characterised by average yields but very high quality.
Drinking Window: 2022-2046
Critic tasting note: "Mount Edelstone may not get the glory Hill of Grace receives, but its place in Barossa history as a 110-year-old vineyard and the quality of resulting wines is no less illustrious. The '16 is a deep well of aromas from ripe cherry to wild strawberry; from licorice to cracked pepper; from violet to vanilla bean. After the heady perfume, the power on the palate comes almost as a surprise. The concentrated fruit is held in a firm grip of spicy, fine, charcoal-textured tannins, the oak tucked neatly away. This is a beautifully crafted wine—expressive of both Eden Valley and Henschke—that should cellar well into the 2040s. Christina Pickard" - 96/100
