Henschke

A Centuries-Old Family History

Founded in 1868 by Johann Christian Henschke, a Silesian immigrant, the domaine is currently headed by the fifth and sixth generation (Stephen and Prue Henschke, joined by their children). Located in Eden Valley (South Australia), the domaine has managed to transcend eras by preserving ancestral traditions while becoming a leader in sustainable innovation.

Hill of Grace: The Myth

Henschke is world-renowned for its vintage Hill of Grace, one of the rarest and most expensive wines in Australia.

• The "Grandfathers": This Shiraz comes from a single plot planted in the 1860s. These ungrafted vines are among the oldest in the world.

• The style: Unlike the opulent Shiraz of the neighboring Barossa, Hill of Grace is distinguished by its finesse, aromatic elegance (notes of sage, black pepper and blackberry) and silky structure.

Terroirs and the Biodynamic Commitment

THE domaine possesses exceptional vineyards spread mainly across two regions:

• Eden Valley: A higher altitude terroir, cooler than the Barossa Valley, ideal for Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon and Rieslings of great purity (such as la cuvée Julius).

• Adelaide Hills: Used for grape varieties requiring more freshness such as Chardonnay or Pinot Noir.

Prue Henschke, a renowned winemaker, transformed the domaine as a pioneer of biodynamics and environmental managementEach plot is treated as a unique ecosystem, with an emphasis on soil health and biodiversity preservation.

Other Iconic Vintages

Although Hill of Grace is the star, Henschke produces other legendary wines:

• Mount Edelstone: A single-vineyard Shiraz planted in 1912, renowned for its complexity and exceptional consistency.

• Cyril Henschke: A deep and elegant Cabernet Sauvignon, a tribute to the patriarch who propelled the domaine on the international stage in the 1950s.

• Keyneton Euphonium: A more accessible blend (Shiraz, Cabernet, Merlot) that offers a superb introduction to the house style.

Henschke embodies theAustralian wine aristocracy. It's a domaine which achieves the rare balance between respecting a historical heritage (centuries-old vines) and a modern, ecological vision of viticulture. Their wines are sought after by collectors worldwide for their immense aging potential and their "French" elegance.