2021 Henschke The Wheelwright Shiraz, Eden Valley

100% organic/biodynamically farmed shiraz from the Wheelwright vineyard in the Eden Valley, planted by Cyril Henschke in the 1960s. Deep crimson with plush satsuma plum, black cherry and blackcurrant fruits underscored with hints of fine spice, sage, coal dust, cedar, violets, dark chocolate and crushed stone. I really like the flow of fruit in the Wheelwright this year; plush yet graceful with fine, compact tannins providing ample structure for cellaring.

95 points Dave Brookes winecompanion.com.au

Henschke The Wheelwright Shiraz from Eden Valley is a finely sculpted, cool-climate Shiraz that pays tribute to founder Johann Christian Henschke, who was a skilled wheelwright before planting the family’s first vineyard in the 1860s. This wine honours that legacy—not just in name, but in the craftsmanship, care and detail that defines everything the Henschke family produces.

The fruit comes from a single vineyard in Eden Valley, where the high elevation, ancient soils and cooler climate lend elegance and aromatic lift to the naturally powerful Shiraz grape. It’s organically and biodynamically farmed, like all of Henschke’s estate sites, ensuring purity of expression and long-term vineyard health.

Winemaker Stephen Henschke treats the fruit with respect and restraint—open fermenters, wild yeast, gentle pumpovers, and maturation in mostly seasoned French oak. The result is a wine with layered complexity and polish rather than just raw power.

Aromas of blackberry, blueberry and plum meet hints of black pepper, star anise, violets and crushed herbs. The palate is medium to full bodied, with silky tannins, dark fruit, earthy spice and a long, savoury finish. It’s a Shiraz that speaks of place—cool, composed and quietly confident.

Pair it with venison, grilled lamb, roasted beetroot or a smoky eggplant dish. It’s already drinking beautifully but has the structure to evolve gracefully over the next 10 to 15 years.