Feb 1

Written by: Jarrod Price
2/1/2008 3:49 PM

In early February, B & W Wines proudly welcomes Stephen and Prue Henschke, the winemaking tandem for Henschke. A family run Australian winery since its inception in 1861, Henschke is considered one of the world’s premier wineries and is most renowned for its Hill of Grace Shiraz – coveted by wine collectors everywhere, and described by Robert Parker as "one of Australia's benchmarks for Shiraz".

Since 1861 the Henschke family has built a reputation as one of Australia's most highly respected wineries. Today, fifth-generation Stephen Henschke and his wife Prue uphold the family name and reputation, as winemaker and viticulturalist respectively. The highly revered and much sought-after Hill of Grace is the pinnacle of the red wines - but another Shiraz first made by his father Cyril, the Mount Edelstone, and the Cyril Henschke Cabernet Sauvignon introduced by Stephen as a tribute to his father - have forged their own niche with wine lovers.

Prue's meticulous viticultural management has seen not only new life breathed into the venerable vineyards, but also a new direction given to white wine making that their forebears could never have imagined. For instance Riesling from both Eden Valley and the newer Lenswood vineyard are contributing to the re-emergence of this classic variety, while research developments in colour and flavour have led to enormous improvements in quality in the Keyneton Estate and Mount Edelstone wines through improved trellising and fruit exposure.

On February 2nd Vintages will be releasing an extensive line-up of Henschke wines (see B & W Wines Tasting event below), which can be viewed on the Henschke website. If would like to try their wines now, here is the current selection available at Vintages:

• The 2005 Lenswood Littlehampton Innes Pinot Gris (LCBO# 656280 | $42.95 /btl), Alsace styled, dry and fullbodied with exuberant fruit. Robert Parker says "may be the finest Pinot Gris in Australia" - 90 points.
• The 2005 Tilly's Vineyard Sem Chard Sauv Blanc (LCBO# 656264 | $24.95 /btl) is softly textured with juicy stone-fruits, a nice mouth feel and a long crisp finish. Robert Parker 91
• The 2005 Lenswood Croft Chardonnay (LCBO#: 656272 | $55.30 /btl), a complex Chardonnay with hints of honey yogurt and cashew nut. A rich, unctuous, creamy palate of quince, grapefruit and clove, with great structure, excellent length and depth.
• The 2003 Keyneton Estate Shiraz Cab Merlot (LCBO#: 720433 | $51.95 /btl), is sweet, rich ripe and lush on the palate with great intensity and structure. Fleshy in texture, the wine has excellent depth and complexity with powdery tannins. Robert Parker 89.

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