HENSCHKE - Mount Edelstone Shiraz 2006 75cl Bottle
Very deep crimson/black in colour. A complex sweet, spicy nose showing lifted fragrant aromas of plum and blackberry with hints of sage and pepper supported by toasty oak. The intensely fruited palate exhibiting dark berries is complex and fleshy with great structure, velvety tannins and a long finish. Great vintage, drink now to 2016. Serving Idea: Pan-roasted rib-eye steak with red wine and parsnip mash. In 1912 Ronald Angas planted the sandy loam slopes of Mount Edelstone with shiraz. Located high in the Eden Valley region this vineyard came to be known as Mount Edelstone meaning gemstone. The 90-year-old ungrafted dry-grown vines from this historic single vineyard are low yielding, producing a depth of colour, concentration of flavour, length and maturity of tannins unique to old-vine shiraz. Mount Edelstone has achieved a formidable reputation since its first vintage in 1952. The 2006 vintage shaped up as another high quality year but with only average yields in the Eden Valley and Adelaide Hills. After a late break in mid-June 2005, winter and spring rains were some of the best for years in the lead-up to flowering in early summer. Some varieties, such as riesling and shiraz, suffered more than others from poor set, leading to 'hen and chicken'. While there was some damage in Eden Valley from frost, this had only a minor impact on the overall yield; however, yields in most varieties were down by 15-20%. The summer was mild with southerly winds, reminiscent of 2002. Brief heat waves occurred in late January and mid-February but were early enough not to affect quality, with only minor sunburn on exposed fruit. Whites were nearly all picked by the end of March, an unusual situation. Summary: Excellent to Exceptional white vintage with below average yields.
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