2018 Henschke Mount Edelstone Shiraz 750ml Gift Box

A moderately wet winter combined with average spring conditions meant that the vines grew well in the mild weather. Ideal flowering conditions in late spring/early summer led to the potential for near-average yields. Late December became warm and dry, ensuring healthy canopies with low disease pressure. The summer months of January and February were typically warm and dry, characterised by above-average overnight temperatures. The old-vine vineyards coped well with the warm nights, their deep roots able to withstand the warming and drying effect on the topsoil, maturing the balanced crops as autumn approached. March and April provided light and warmth to the Eden Valley which led to full and balanced maturity being achieved across all grape varieties. With warm sunny days and cool nights, the dry autumn guaranteed that pristinely healthy grapes arrived in the fermenters. All in all, the 2018 vintage will be considered a standout of the decade. Shiraz was certainly one of the highlights of the season, fittingly so in the year we celebrated our 150th anniversary of family winemaking.

Cellaring Potential: Exceptional vintage; 30+ years (from vintage).

Drinking Window: 2023-2053

Critic tasting note: "Mount Edelstone may not garner as much fame as this historic Hill of Grace vineyard, but with ungifted vines well over 100 years old, this is a treasure in itself. 2018 was a warm, plush vintage. It's demonstrated here via rich, layered aromas of plum cake and cherry cordial atop earthier, smokier notes like grilled beets, bay leaf and mocha. The palate is equally hearty but with balance and restraint. There's a lovely line of acidity and a fine frame of earthy tannins. Still young, this has several decades ahead of it." - 95/100