Henschke The Rose Grower Nebbiolo 2021

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 nebbiolo grape originated in the Piedmont region of north-west Italy and is best known as the variety of Barolo and Barbaresco. It is believed that the name nebbiolo is derived from the Italian word nebbia, meaning fog. The Henschke nebbiolo vines have been planted on rocky soils on an elevated foggy north facing slope at the source of the North Para River, at the top of the range overlooking the village of Eden Valley. The wine is named after the pioneering Roesler family, who managed the property as a dairy for generations. In German, Roesler is an occupational name for ‘rose grower’.

Pale garnet with bright ruby hues. Delicate aromas of red cherry, raspberry, rosehip, red liquorice, bergamot, tarragon, dried fig and tea leaf. A complex and layered palate of red berries, plum and cherry is framed by lingering notes of rose petal, nutmeg and crushed dried herbs, balanced by minerality, refined tannins and fresh acidity for a long finish.

Fresh red cherry, hint strawberry roasted walnut aromas with hints of shellac and dried roses/potpourri notes. Supple textured wine with light red cherry, strawberry, hint raspberry fruits, roasted walnut, hint dried herbs/ sage notes, fine bitter-sweet tannins and fresh crisp acidity. Finishes minerally and long. Very attractive youthful nebbiolo with impressive sub-regional transparency. Need to sit with this to appreciate the unfolding complexity and detail in the wine. - Andrew Caillard.

The Finer Details
Style - Red Wine
Varietal -  Nebbiolo
Country - Australia
Region - Eden Valley, South Australia
Vintage - 2021
Bottle Size - 750ml
ABV - 13.5%