2015 Henschke Tappa Pass Shiraz, Barossa & Eden Valley

Deep red colour with a tint of purple, and an attractively perfumed spicy nose, with some vegetable notes possibly from whole-bunch ferment. Gorgeous detail on the nose. The wine is medium to full-bodied and soft-textured, nicely balanced and quite rich, with density and attractive complexity. Some earthy, rocky, ironstone nuances, licorice on the palate. A sumptuous and lovely glass of shiraz. 27 Mar 2020 Drink 2020–2038

97 points Huon Hooke therealreview.com

The 2015 Tappa Pass Shiraz features aromas of smoke, cracked pepper, blueberries and plums. It's full-bodied, creamy-textured and plush, yet it never seems heavy, instead showing wonderfully expressive fruit and complex spice notes on the long, supple finish. It's a really fine Barossa Shiraz.

It was a treat to sit down and taste through the new releases with Stephen Henschke, even as the newest generation of this historic Eden Valley family begins to take over more of the daily business routine. The broad range of offerings and release dates here means that there is always something to talk about, whether it's the latest vintage—"2017 was a spectacular year for whites"—or something a bit earlier, like the 2014 vintage, which he described as "longer, later, slower ripening, with a lot of elegance." As part of my effort to look at some of the 2008s at age ten, we also tried the 2008 Hill of Grace, which showed tremendously well, with another two decades ahead of it. Henschke remains a benchmark for Eden Valley.

94 points robertparker.com

From selected vineyards across the Barossa and Eden Valleys, Henschke Tappa Pass Shiraz brings together two distinct South Australian personalities into a wine of depth, balance and quiet authority. Named after the historic Tappa Pass route that links the regions, this wine reflects the Henschke family’s long tradition of site driven winemaking, now led by Stephen and Prue Henschke with a strong focus on biodynamic farming and vineyard health. Barossa contributes richness and fruit weight, while Eden Valley brings lift, spice and structure.

A deep garnet crimson with violet flashes fills the glass. Aromas unfold with blackberry, dark plum and black cherry layered with cracked pepper, sage, dark chocolate and a subtle earthy complexity. There is an immediate sense of harmony between power and freshness.

The palate is medium to full bodied and beautifully structured, delivering concentrated dark berry fruit framed by fine, velvety tannins and balanced acidity. Notes of liquorice, spice and gentle oak nuance build through the mid palate, leading to a long, savoury finish that feels both generous and composed. While already expressive, this Shiraz will reward cellaring over ten to fifteen years, evolving into layers of leather, dried herbs and earthy depth.

Slow cooked lamb shoulder infused with rosemary, smoky eggplant dishes with spice and yoghurt, or rich beef ragù folded through wide ribbons of pasta. Beethoven’s Symphony No 5 or something equally commanding like Nick Cave at full intensity, the wine holding that same sense of presence, confident, layered and built to last.