Wines Eden Valley Henschke - Mount Edelstone Vineyard - 2017

Henschke’s Mount Edelstone Vineyard 2017 from Eden Valley is one of Australia’s celebrated red wines, drawing its reputation from a single, historic vineyard. While varietal details may not always be explicit, Mount Edelstone is renowned for producing richly expressive wines, typically showing savoury depth and aromatic intensity. The 2017 vintage experienced a somewhat cooler, later growing season, often resulting in wines of remarkable refinement and balance. You can expect a complex aromatic profile blending dark forest fruits, plum, black cherry, perhaps hints of mulberry, seamlessly layered with nuances of spice, earth, subtle floral notes, and understated oak. On the palate, the wine is likely medium to full-bodied, structured yet elegant, with fine tannins and a lingering, expressive finish. The careful maturation in oak – a hallmark of the Henschke approach – generally imparts gentle vanilla, spice, and tobacco undertones that integrate beautifully with the fruit.

Eden Valley, nestled within South Australia, is famed for its elevated, cool-climate sites, offering significant day-night temperature contrasts that extend ripening and contribute to the finesse and aromatic clarity of its wines. The soils here are typically ancient and varied, with a mix of loam and clay over rock, imparting complexity and minerality. Eden Valley’s winemaking traditions date back to the 19th century, and the region is highly regarded for both red and white varietals. Notably, the cool, high-altitude climate of Eden Valley allows for elegant expressions of classic styles, setting them apart from some of South Australia’s warmer regions.

This wine deserves to be paired with robust and refined dishes. It will shine alongside slow-roasted lamb shoulder with rosemary and garlic, rare beef with pepper sauce, or a rich venison stew. For a regional touch, consider pairing with spiced kangaroo loin or classic Australian bush herbs, which will harmonise with the wine’s earthy-spicy undertones. Mature hard cheeses, such as aged cheddar, also make for a delightful accompaniment.

For the most expressive and harmonious tasting experience, serve this wine at 16-18°C. Decanting for at least an hour before serving will allow its aromas and textures to come to the fore, revealing the wine’s full depth and complexity. This is a wine with the pedigree to evolve beautifully over further cellaring, but it will reward you generously even now with the right preparation.