Product Description:
Hentley Farm’s flagship Clos Otto Shiraz stands as a benchmark for single-site winemaking in the Barossa. Planted by Otto Kasper using cuttings from an old Shiraz clone and farmed with vintage equipment, this tiny vineyard delivers staggeringly rich fruit in painfully small quantities. The 2022 vintage continues the Clos Otto legacy: bold, complex, and meticulously layered, but always with precision at its core.
The vineyard’s unique aspect and low-yielding vines give the wine its unmistakable character—inky, brooding, and perfumed. Winemaking leans traditional but detailed: hand plunging, basket pressing, and a 22-month maturation in French oak (55% new) all add polish without overpowering. Natural malolactic fermentation and skin contact between 8 to 12 days contribute to the wine’s depth and structure.
Shiraz makes up 100% of this bottling, offering blue fruits, mocha, violets, and savoury herbs on a muscular yet lifted frame. Drink now for intensity or cellar for a decade-plus to let the finer details unfold. Match with slow-cooked lamb shoulder or charred eggplant.
Maker
Hentley Farm was established in 1997 by Keith and Alison Henschke with a singular vision: to craft exceptional single-estate wines from the Barossa Valley. With an Agricultural Science and Wine Marketing degree from Roseworthy College, Keith acquired extensive industry experience before seeking the perfect site in the Barossa, guided by advice from local experts to look for “red-brown soil over limestone.”
The extreme diversity of soil, aspect, and altitude at Hentley Farm required careful planning in terms of varietal and clone selection, row spacing, trellising, and water management. The estate vineyards feature Shiraz (70%), Grenache (17%), Cabernet Sauvignon (10%), Zinfandel (2%), and a small parcel of Viognier (0.5%). Their first wines were released in 2002.
Since 2008, Head Winemaker Andrew Quin has overseen Hentley Farm’s evolution, focusing on crafting modern wines from traditional Barossa varieties. The wines are varietally diverse, approachable in their youth, yet structured for extended cellaring. Under Andrew’s guidance, Hentley Farm has become one of Australia’s leading boutique wineries, earning accolades worldwide, including the 2015 James Halliday Winery of the Year.
Philosophy
At Hentley Farm, the philosophy is rooted in a deep respect for the land, with a strong focus on sustainable practices that prioritise the health of the vineyards and the preservation of the environment. The winery’s approach is based on the belief that great wine begins in the vineyard. By carefully managing the vineyard ecosystem, from the soil to the vine, the team at Hentley Farm ensures that every bottle reflects the true character of the Barossa Valley. Their focus on minimal intervention winemaking allows the fruit to express itself fully, without the need for excessive manipulation. The result is wines that are pure, complex, and true to their origin.
The winery also embraces a commitment to innovation, using both traditional and modern techniques to craft wines of exceptional quality. They employ sustainable farming practices, including cover cropping, soil health management, and water conservation, all of which help maintain the long-term viability of their estate. This holistic approach allows Hentley Farm to produce wines that are not only of the highest quality but also reflect their responsibility to the land and the environment. Whether it’s through their use of carefully selected oak or their focus on expressing the individuality of each vineyard block, Hentley Farm’s philosophy is evident in every bottle they produce.
Tasting Notes
NOSE
– Aromatic complexity
Thyme, oregano and violets interlace with blue fruits and a lick of mocha.
PALATE
– Richly layered
Dark plum and blackberry are met with fruitcake spice and earthy notes; dense yet glossy in texture.
FINISH
– Mineral drive
Ferrous tannins and savoury length ride a bright, minerally backbone.
Reviews & Accolades
Power with buoyancy and plenty of cellaring potential = a win all around. – Dave Brookes, Halliday Wine Companion, 97 Points (2024)
So much complexity and power here but gentle acidity offers a lift... A wine to be savoured as it unfurls in the glass. – Stuart Knox, The Real Review, 97 Points
Finer Details
Style: Red Wine
Varietal: Shiraz
Country: Australia
Region: Barossa Valley, South Australia
Vintage: 2022
Brand: Hentley Farm
ABV: 15%
Bottle Size: 750ml
Sale
