2025 Henschke Julius Riesling Magnum 1.5L, Eden Valley

Pale straw in the glass with a flash of green and beautifully defined aromas of freshly squeezed lime juice, green apple, Bickford's lime cordial and grapefruit. You'll find hints of crushed quartz, Christmas lily, orange blossom, almond paste, ozone, lemongrass and makrut lime. Sleek, focused and wonderfully pure. There is an ache of precision and minerality that marks its passage over the palate, all tension and velocity and cadence. Jeez, it is a lovely wine, finishing dry and slatey with just a glimpse of umami as it trails off.

97 points Special Value Dave Brookes for Halliday Wine Companion

Henschke Julius Riesling is one of Australia's great benchmark Rieslings, carrying the name of Julius Henschke, the visionary who laid the foundations for one of the nation's most revered family wineries. With more than 155 years of winemaking history, Henschke has earned an international reputation for crafting wines of extraordinary purity and longevity, from the legendary Hill of Grace to this iconic Eden Valley Riesling. Julius has become a favourite among collectors and enthusiasts alike, admired for its precision, consistency and remarkable ability to age with grace.

The 2025 vintage produced exceptional fruit across the Eden Valley, where high elevations, ancient soils and cool nights encourage slow ripening and vibrant natural acidity. Sourced from selected family vineyards, the fruit is gently handled and fermented in stainless steel to preserve the pristine aromatics and crystalline character that define great Eden Valley Riesling. Every vintage reflects the Henschke philosophy of allowing exceptional vineyards to speak with clarity and authenticity.

Pale straw with brilliant green highlights, the bouquet is intensely aromatic, revealing lime blossom, Tahitian lime and white nectarine intertwined with fragrant jasmine, lemon zest and hints of fresh kaffir lime leaf. As the wine evolves, notes of green apple, wet slate and delicate white flowers emerge, adding complexity and precision. The palate is beautifully focused, balancing vibrant citrus fruit with mouth watering acidity and a striking mineral line. Layers of lemon sorbet, grapefruit pith and chalky minerality build through a long, pristine finish that lingers with extraordinary freshness, energy and finesse.

An outstanding match for freshly shucked oysters, grilled King George whiting, sashimi, Thai seafood salads, goat's cheese or delicate Vietnamese dishes. While captivating in its youth, Julius is renowned for its ageing potential and will continue to evolve magnificently over the next fifteen to twenty years, gradually developing the classic toast and citrus marmalade characters that define Australia's greatest Rieslings.