Henschke Archer's Vineyard Chardonnay 2019

The prestigious Australian winery Henschke has remained a family-owned establishment for over 153 years and six generations. Situated in Keyneton, South Australia, within the esteemed Eden Valley wine region, Henschke proudly stands as a distinguished member of Australia's First Families of Wine. Since its inception in 1862, when Johann Christian Henschke planted a modest vineyard in Keyneton, the Henschke family has continuously crafted exceptional wines, forging a legacy of excellence with vineyards in the Eden Valley, Barossa Valley and Adelaide Hills, including acclaimed single-vineyards, Hill of Grace and Mount Edelstone.

The fifth-generation winemaker Stephen Carl Henschke and his viticulturist wife Prue took over the operation of the winery in 1979 and they are recognised around the world for their exceptional quality wines, innovative spirit, focus on restoring native vegetation, organic and biodynamic practices in the vineyard. Johann Stephen Henschke, the eldest of Stephen and Prue’s three children has become the sixth generation member of the Henschke family since 1983. With the background of higher education in wine making, viticulture and oenology, Johann is now based at the family winery as winemaker and viticulturist while playing an important role of transferring his skill set and knowledge from the fifth to sixth generation. As the next generation prepares to navigate the well-documented challenges that lie ahead, Johann recognizes the indispensability of innovation and meticulous strategic planning. However, amidst these considerations, he firmly believes in upholding the time-honoured winemaking techniques that have been cherished by the Henschke family for generations. By ensuring that the legacy of Henschke is nurtured with the same prudence and care as it has always been, Johann and his peers can pass on a heritage that will endure and command the same esteemed reputation that it enjoys today.

Henschke's commitment to excellence and sustainable wine production has garnered well-deserved recognition and accolades. In 2021, the winery was honoured as the Wine Enthusiast New World Winery of the Year, a testament to their exceptional craftsmanship and dedication to pushing the boundaries of winemaking in the New World. Furthermore, Henschke was also named the Winery of the Year by the prestigious Halliday Wine Companion, solidifying their position as a leader in the industry. Additionally, Henschke's unwavering commitment to sustainability and environmentally conscious practices has been acknowledged with the prestigious Robert Parker Wine Advocate Green Emblem. This recognition highlights their remarkable efforts in reducing environmental impact while producing outstanding wines. Henschke's unwavering pursuit of excellence and dedication to sustainable practices make them a true icon in the world of wine.

The Henschke Archer's Vineyard Chardonnay 2019 is pale straw in colour with golden hues. Stunning, fragrant aromas of citrus blossom, zesty lemon rind, grapefruit, white peach and fresh cut pear are complemented by subtle hints of baking spices and crème brûlée. The juicy citrus and melon palate is richly textured, forming a creamy, luscious mouthfeel, and building in complexity for a rich and lingering finish. 

100% chardonnay grown on the Henschke Archer’s Vineyard at Lenswood in the Adelaide Hills.

The Archer’s chardonnay vineyard, planted in the mid-1980s, has been named as a tribute to Alan and Mary Archer and is located high in the central cool-climate Adelaide Hills. The property had formally belonged to Alan and Mary Archer who ran The Chesser Cellar, a dining institution in Adelaide for many years. Alan had previously sold my father Cyril’s wine in Adelaide and became a well-loved ‘mine host’ at the Chesser. Mary loved to grow her own vegetables for the restaurant in her well-tended garden on the farm at Lenswood. The ancient well-drained sandy loam soils derived from a sedimentary shale bedrock ensure naturally low-yielding vines and concentrated fruit flavours. All fruit is handpicked from individual blocks and fermented separately and lees aged in oak barrels. The cool-climate Adelaide Hills provides purity of fruit, beautiful acidity, length of flavour and great ageing potential

The Finer Details
Style - White Wine
Varietal -  Chardonnay
Country - Australia
Region - Adelaide Hills, South Australia
Vintage - 2019
Bottle Size - 750ml
ABV - 13%