The Wheelwright 2017 Henschke

Wine Pilot
97/100 punten
Of the four prestige Shiraz releases from Henschke this year, from the 2017 vintage, this seemed for me to be the most pure in its fruit. Colour is deep maroon and the nose is just gorgeously perfumed, quite exquisite. Florals, violets, spices, milk chocolate and dark fruits. An alluring creamy texture. This is simply seamless with silky tannins and very fine balance. Delightfully fresh, almost slippery. It also has great length and seems to increase in intensity as we go. Just immaculate balance (yes, repeating myself but it is a point worth stressing). The purity of fruit is the highlight of this wine, though, with a long future ahead.

James Halliday
96/100 punten
Eden Valley estate fruit, planted in 1968 and matured in 10% new oak (95/5% French/American) hogsheads for 18 months prior to blending. Notes of mulberry, blueberry and redcurrant flit above the bass tones of dark and black berries, cut with spice, licorice, dark chocolate, sage and a scattering of brambly, briar-like notes. Graceful red fruits and spice feature on the palate which, like all Henschke wines, shows detail and elegance with perhaps a little more red fruit coming through. The balance and clarity of form impresses greatly.

Decanter Magazine
95/100 punten
The epitome of elegance with its sheen of silky, pure red fruits and lissome acidity, in 2017 this Eden Valley Shiraz is closer to Adelaide Hills geographically and in spirit. Medium-bodied, the beguiling strawberry and plum palate is delicately scented with pink peppercorn, coltsfoot, pine needle and black pepper. Subtle undertones of moss, twig and wattleseed draw you in further. Drinking beautifully now, with soft grainy tannins to the finish and lingering spice.

Huon Hooke
95/100 punten
Deep, dark red colour with a faint trace of purple remaining. The bouquet shows rich and ripe cassis with a top note of Ribena, evoking canned corn or asparagus. A light patina of the dried herbs typical of Eden Valley. It's very intense in the mouth, with firm, slighty grippy tannins that run the full length of the palate, leaving a slight aftertaste of bitter astringency, which softens off with repeat tastes. Further ageing recommended, as well as hearty protein-rich food.

Andrew Caillard MW
95/100 punten
Medium deep crimson. Classical blackberry pastille, black cherry, dark chocolate, sage, Turkish Delight aromas. Lovely inky textured wine with pure blackberry, cassis, dark chocolate, mocha flavours, underlying panforte notes, fine loose knit chalky/ brambly textures and fresh crisp acidity. Finishes chocolaty firm with attractive bittersweet notes and mineral length. 18 months maturation in 16% new & 84% seasoned (87% French, 13% American) oak hogsheads.