Mount Edelstone Shiraz, Henschke 2016

Remarkably bright purplish crimson, the sort of colour I'd expect from a Cabernet more than from a Shiraz. Hugely medicinal on the nose of this – positively a poultice! Such intensity and so much history in this beautifully balanced wine. You just know you're tasting vine-growing rather than winemaking here (sorry, Stephen). Everything seems so healthy and in balance. No sweetness but rather herby savour and appetising layers of fully ripe fruit. Not at all like Barossa Valley floor Shiraz – much more lifted and cooler. There's a certain tarriness here too. Definitely to be drunk with food and its considerable tannins have just crept up on my while I marvelled at the fruit. Ideally to be kept. Tasted 24 hours later, a certain (black) pepperiness was evident on the nose and there was more obvious ripeness beating the tannins into submission. Very clean, appetising finish. 2022 - 2037

The 2016 Mount Edelstone Vineyard Shiraz is steeped in complexity, with aromas ranging from camphor, bay leaf and sage to smoke and grilled beef and from blueberries and blackberries to plums laced with spice. Full-bodied, rich and intense, it's ripe and velvety textured, with a long, licorice-tinged finish and dusty tannins that bode well for the cellar. From vines planted in 1912, I suspect this will come close to the quality of the Hill of Grace at a fraction of the price. Tasted again the following day from the open bottle, this was even better, seamless, flowing and harmonious in the mouth. 2022 - 2040

It is extraordinary just how stunning Mount Edelstone is in 2016...it appears that this east-facing plot has performed at the highest possible level and this means that each chapter of this wines sensory journey is complete. Firstly, it explodes out of the glass with one of the most complete aromatic displays of the year. There is enviable freshness and spice here alongside complex florals and musks. The first sip is tremendous and there is no need to agitate the glass or to decant this wine in order for it to sing. It literally bursts out of the blocks and continues its assault at one speed and that is full speed. Having said this, and taking into account the volume of flavour, there is tenderness and elegance here, too. There is red, black and blue fruit making up the mid-palate and they eddy and flow in perfect synchronicity. In addition to this, the overall balance is pinpoint perfect with refreshing, vital tannins and crunchy acidity. I cannot recommend this vintage enough.