2018 The Wheelwright Shiraz
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The Wheelwright and the Cyril Henschke Vineyards are adjacent and rest at an elevation of 470 meters above seal level, numbering them among some of the highest vineyards in the region. The 1.6-hectare single vineyard from which the fruit hails is planted on a combination of sandy loam and clay, over a bedrock of mica schist and faces in a north through west to south aspect. The 2018 The Wheelwright Single Vineyard Shiraz is 100% Shiraz, matured in a combination of new (21%) and seasoned (79%) French oak (65%) and American oak (35%) hogsheads for 18 months prior to blending and bottling. According to the Barossa Old Vine Charter, an "old vine" is equal to or greater than 35 years of age. I love Eden Valley Syrah/Shiraz for its ability to convey fresh raspberry, black tea, crushed rocks and licorice, each in equal measure, not to mention inflections of sage, bay leaf and even rosemary. The wines are elegant (even when produced in a full-throttle style, which this is not) and age gracefully. Eden Valley looks sensational in this excellent vintage, the 2018 The Wheelwright Single Vineyard Shiraz especially so. As an avid proponent of the screw-cap closure, it is important to note that upon opening, all wines in this release looked cramped and closed. With time in the glass (and no small amount of vigorous swirling), the wines opened up beautifully. A decant prior to drinking is highly recommended, especially if you are going to be drinking them early (i.e., anytime from 2023 - 2033).
Critic scores
Average Score
Jancis Robinson MW
Jane Anson, Inside Bordeaux
More reviews and scores
Full bottle just 1,213 g. First vintage was 2015 to celebrate 150 years of Henschke family winemaking. 100% Shiraz planted in 1968 and picked 5 April from the coolest part of the Henschke's Eden Valley Shiraz vineyard. Matured for 18 months in oak hogsheads (65% French, 35% American), of which 21% were new, before blending and bottling. pH 3.57, TA 6.17 g/l. Transparent crimson. Heady nose that seems more comfortable than that of the Cyril Henschke Cabernet. This really does seem like Shiraz country! Warm, salty impression. Lovely lift and delicacy for a wine with 14.5% alcohol! So much more successful than The Wheelwright from the cooler 2017. Long and neat and really lovely to drink now – so long as you are not looking for massive concentration and weight. Really complete already. (JR)
Jewel-ruby colour, from the southern section of Eden Valley, this is cool climate in feel, with a focus on perfumed, spiced aromatics of peony and bay leaf, with yellow plum, raspberry and olive fruits. Expect peony, black pepper, even a touch of horseradish as it unrolls. There is an approachablity here, and the balance and finesse is pretty irresistable. From blocks of old vine Shiraz planted in 1968 on a ridge line of sandy-loam soils at 480m altitude, 21% new oak, a mix of French and American barrels in origin, organic and biodynamic vineyards. Winemaker Stephen Henschke.
This bold, chocolatey 2018 Shiraz The Wheelwright impresses with its rich layers of wood smoke, gravel and earth, with rising dusty cocoa adding a savory edge. Luscious flavors and textures are well matched to sappy tannins, providing admirable tension to the finish. This impressive Shiraz has good potential.