Crafted entirely from shiraz grown on The Wheelwright Vineyard within the Henschke Eden Valley estate, this wine is produced under certified organic and biodynamic practices.

The wine was matured for 20 months in French oak hogsheads, comprising 10% new oak and 90% seasoned oak, prior to blending and bottling.

In the glass, it displays a deep crimson colour with violet hues. The bouquet is fragrant and layered, offering aromas of raspberry, black cherry and boysenberry, complemented by nuances of nutmeg, aniseed, Dutch cocoa, sage, wild fennel and charcuterie. The palate is poised and refined, revealing flavours of mulberry, blueberry and black plum intertwined with white and pink peppercorn and delicate floral notes. Fine acidity provides balance, leading to a long finish defined by silky tannins.

The Wheelwright was first released to commemorate 150 years of Henschke family winemaking and pays tribute to founder Johann Christian Henschke (1803–1873). A member of the early German Silesian community in the Barossa, he established the family winery in 1868 after arriving in 1841 as a skilled stonemason and wheelwright. He planted his first vineyards in the elevated terrain of Eden Valley. This wine is sourced from old vine shiraz planted in 1968 by fourth-generation winemaker Cyril Henschke near the village of Eden Valley at an altitude of 470 metres. In accordance with the Barossa Old Vine Charter, ‘old vines’ are defined as being 35 years of age or older.

The 2021 winter delivered ample rainfall, replenishing soil moisture, while a cool and delayed start to the growing season resulted in budburst occurring approximately two weeks later than average. A severe hail event on 28 October significantly impacted early shoot growth at the Keyneton vineyards, reducing crop potential. However, late flowering in late November to early December avoided adverse weather, allowing for good fruit set despite lower yields. Moderate summer warmth supported even berry development and balanced vine growth. Timely rainfall in late January, just prior to veraison, was followed by a mild and dry finish to the season. The 2022 harvest occurred one to two weeks later than the historical average. The resulting wines express a strong sense of place, with elegance, structure and longevity, reminiscent of standout vintages such as 1991, 1999, 2005, 2006, 2010 and 2015. These single-vineyard wines show excellent ageing potential and will reward careful long-term cellaring.

Alc/Vol: 14.5%