Henschke : Henry's Seven 2023

Characteristics and tasting notes of the Henry's Seven 2023 Henschke

Tasting notes

Colour
The glass reveals a deep crimson red hue, enhanced by delicate violet nuances.

Nose
Wonderfully complex, the bouquet reveals multiple layers. Aromas of fruits such as blueberry, blackberry and plum intertwine harmoniously with floral notes of lavender, rose petal and violet, all enhanced by subtle touches of pepper and sweet spice.

Palate
Supple and approachable, the palate offers a lovely structure dominated by red and blue fruit flavours, punctuated by nuances of aniseed and white pepper. This is supported by vibrant acidity and beautifully fine tannins, extending into a long finish with accents of blackberry and black pepper.

Food and wine pairing
This red wine pairs wonderfully with veal roulade with mushrooms, roasted or braised red meats, as well as tomato-based sauced dishes. It will also enhance Mediterranean recipes with aromatic herbs or lightly matured hard cheeses.

Service and storage
Approachable in its youth, this Henry's Seven 2023 also has a fine structure allowing it to age in the cellar and be enjoyed until around 2033.

The elegance and aromatic richness of an Australian red wine from Barossa Valley

The estate
Founded in 1868 by Johann Christian Henschke, the family estate Henschke stands as an essential reference in Southern Australian winemaking. Now led by fifth-generation winemaker Stephen Henschke and his wife Prue, a pioneer in sustainable viticulture, the estate carries on a historic legacy of expertise. Joined by their son Johann, the estate is distinguished by its environmentally conscious approach and its dedication to old vines. Renowned worldwide, the brand has been crowned best producer of fine wines, reflecting its unwavering commitment to quality and the authentic expression of its terroirs.

The vineyard
This wine pays tribute to Henry Evans, a pioneer who planted a seven-acre vineyard in the region in 1853. The vines, located in the renowned Barossa Valley and the Eden Valley sub-region, benefit from sustainable, organic and biodynamic viticultural practices. The estate favours ungrafted vines and uses straw mulching to preserve soil moisture, thereby enhancing the pure, mineral expression of this unique terroir with its ancient, low-fertility soils.

The vintage
2023 stood out for a growing season that was relatively cool and wet compared to the region's usual conditions. These mild weather conditions allowed for slow, gradual ripening of the berries. As a result, the harvest was extended from mid-April to mid-May in order to pick fruit offering an optimal balance between phenolic ripeness and freshness, without excess sugar.

Winemaking and aging
A philosophy of minimal intervention guides the making of the Henry's Seven 2023. The viognier is co-fermented with the shiraz for perfect aromatic integration, while the other grape varieties are fermented separately using indigenous yeasts in open vats. The wine is then aged for ten months in French oak barrels, with only a very small proportion of new wood (5 to 10%), to preserve the brightness of the fruit. Finally, the wine is bottled under screw cap to ensure its freshness.

Grape varieties
This wine is a blend of Shiraz (81%), Grenache (11%), Mataro (6%) and Viognier (2%).