2021 Henschke The Wheelwright Shiraz 1.5L Magnum Wooden Gift Box

1.5L Magnum Wooden Gift Box

Awards, Ratings & Reviews

95/100 — Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate · 2021 Vintage · Tasted: Mar 2025
When to drink: 2025 to 2038

95/100 — Winepilot · 2021 Vintage · Tasted: Mar 2025
“The late Cyril Henschke was a strong believer in the quality of Eden Valley Shiraz. The vines he planted in 1968 are now officially designated ‘old vines’ and they contribute some old vine magic – in league with a top vintage year – to deliver a quality wine. Deep red purple in colour. Aromas are lifted, beguilingly aromatic, in violet, black cherry, plum and cassis, dried herbs and spice. It’s a smooth transition to the palate where spices dwell with berries, dark chocolate, anise, sage and earth, all beautifully framed in fine-grained tannins. Oak comes with a higher level of French oak than the previous release – 82% French and 18% American – and helps define the wine and yet is so integrated, even at this early stage. It’s a good sign, for good, natural balance now will equally assure the early drinker, as well as those who like their Shiraz with bottle age. And this wine will age. But a final word about the aromatics which deserve special mention. With time in the glass, they simply bring a new layer of interest, a new level of enjoyment.”

94/100 — Wine Spectator · 2021 Vintage · Tasted: Aug 2025

About This Wine

The Wheelwright, first released to commemorate 150 years of Henschke family winemaking, pays tribute to founder Johann Christian Henschke (1803–1873). Among the first generation of the early German Silesian community of the Barossa in South Australia, he established the family winery in 1868. Arriving in 1841 as a skilled stonemason and wheelwright, he planted his first vineyards in the high country of Eden Valley.

This wine is produced from old vine Shiraz planted in 1968 by fourth-generation Cyril Henschke near the village of Eden Valley at 470m altitude. As per the Barossa Old Vine Charter, an ‘old vine’ is equal to or greater than 35 years of age.

Harvested between 13–16 April. Matured in 10% new and 90% seasoned oak hogsheads (82% French, 18% American) for 18 months prior to blending and bottling.

Average rainfall in winter 2020 was followed by even budburst with good fruitfulness. Frost damage was significant and spring was cloudy with good rains pre-flowering, followed by short bursts of heat in late November. Strong winds in early December damaged canopies, though the crop remained disease free. January was dry, with heat prior to a timely rain event at veraison in early February. The lead up to vintage was cool, cloudy and mostly dry. After the coolest summer for 19 years, a warm autumn provided ideal ripening conditions for red varieties, achieving excellent colour, flavour intensity and tannin maturity. The 2021 vintage will be considered a standout of the decade, remembered for complex wines with exceptional varietal expression, balance and purity, with impressive potential for long-term ageing.

Specifications

• Vintage: 2021
• Grape Variety: 100% Shiraz
• Region: Eden Valley / Barossa / South Australia / Australia
• Alcohol: 14.5%
• Harvest Date: 13–16 April
• Maturation: 18 months in 10% new and 90% seasoned oak hogsheads (82% French, 18% American)
• Cellaring Potential: 30+ years (from vintage)
• Sweetness: Dry
• Ownership: Henschke familie
• Drinking Window: 2025–2047