2024 Henschke Johann's Garden Grenache Mataro, Barossa Valley

This was such a good year in the Barossa, and this blend of 60% Grenache and 40% Mataro is a superb expression of both the vintage and these complementary varieties. Each component was vinified separately and matured for about 10 months in a small proportion of new oak, with the balance in seasoned hogsheads. Perfumed aromas of spice, violet and subtle plum emerge immediately. The palate is seamless, beautifully integrated and thoroughly expressive of both varieties. A gentle tannin contribution provides shape and direction through to the long, satisfying finish. Bright, lively and utterly engaging. Drink to 2041.

96 points Ray Jordan for Wine Pilot, June 2026

Deep, bright purple-red colour, the aromas smoky/burnt toast and dark loamy earth, the palate full and concentrated in the mouth with a sheen of drying tannins and luxurious depth of gorgeously sweet, succulent liqueur cherry flavour. Perfect ripeness is evident. Magical wine, utterly delicious. A spectacular grenache-led blend of profound flavour and structure. Excellent now and will age well too. Drink to 2039.

96 points Huon Hooke for The Real Review, May 2026

Red fruits, earth and spice set the tone — cherry compote, warm sand, plum, shortbread, camphor, violets and a sprinkling of white pepper. Classically elegant perfume providing moreish appeal. The palate is seductive and poised with lovely lift and glide before anchoring grainy tannins put up a frame around plum, red cherry, sand and other notes akin to the nose, with a lovely cranberry note attaching to the acidity through a long finish. Elegance and lift on display here. Silky and sexy.

94 points Tom Kline for Wine Pilot, June 2026

A 60/40 Grenache/Mataro duet sourced from old bush vine blocks across the Barossa Valley, each vinified separately before maturing for 10 months in barrels, just 3% new. The final blend is floral and fragrant with crushed crimson fruits and allspice, which are both reflected in the palate, juicy, tangy with a just grippy mouth presence that all adds up to a vibrant and joyful expression.

94 points Tony Love for Wine Pilot, July 2026

The 2024 Johann's Garden comprises a blend of Grenache and Mataro from Barossa Valley. Aromatically, it leads with rose petals and cold tea, stalky bramble and licorice. In the mouth, the wine is lean and detailed and layered with mountains herbs and brick dust to close. This is a very smart wine from an excellent vintage. Drink to 2032.

93 points Erin Larkin for The Wine Advocate, June 2026

A vibrant, blood red-purple colour beckons. This already looks the part, the sealer is flavours that are compellingly spicy and full of energy and life. Lots of red fruits and berries here, including cherries and wild strawberries, which come together on the bouquet alongside spice and rose scents. There is a black pepperiness in play on the palate (possibly a Mataro contribution) and an overall seamless quality that brings fruit, spice, oak (just 3% new), fine tannins and fresh acidity together and it all flows easily, smoothly. Drink to 2036.

93 points Jeni Port for Wine Pilot, April 2026

Seven generations of the Henschke family have been making wine in the Barossa since 1868.

This wine is named as a tribute to the early Silesian community of the region, many of whom carried the first name of Johann, and who would have referred to their vineyard as a wine garden (der Weingarten). It is produced from low-yielding vines equal or greater than 35-years-old as categorised by Barossa’s Old Vine Charter.

The 2024 vintage of Johann’s Garden is a 60/40 blend of Grenache and Mataro. The varieties were vinified separately and matured for ten months predominantly in seasoned French oak hogsheads prior to blending and bottling.