2023 Henschke Henry’s Seven

Henry’s Seven is a tribute to Henry Evans who planted the first vineyard of seven acres at Kyneton in 1853. A blend of 81% Shiraz, 11% Grenache, 6% Mataro and 2% Viognier. The Viognier was co-fermented with the Shiraz and maturation took place in 99% French and 1% American oak hogsheads (5% new) for a period of 10 months.
Very deep dark red black colour with a vibrant red purple hue. Ripe dark plum, liquorice and blueberry aromas captivate the olfactory senses with some vanillin cedar, subtle incense and dried herb notes also chiming in. Juicy dark plum, blueberry and liquorice fruits bounce across the mid weighted palate with plenty of energy. Infusions of incense, spicy vanillin cedar and dried herb characters lie underneath. Good flesh with fine grained tannins and a gently spiced mid length conclusion.
Drink over the next 4-5 years.
Alc. 14.5%

Other Reviews…..
Always one of the most enjoyable and pleasing wines from the annual Henschke portfolio release. Well, it is for me from the time I tasted the earliest examples more years ago than I care to remember. A combination of Shiraz, Grenache and Mataro with a smidgeon of the aromatic Viognier coming to play on the nose and then a little on the palate. It’s typically bright and spicy with plush smooth and supple medium-bodied fruit flavours. Juicy and delicious. Drink 2024-2036.
95 points
Ray Jordan - WinePilot.com

81/11/6/2% shiraz/grenache/mataro/viognier; 84/16% Barossa Valley/Eden Valley. A delicious blend. Spicy and flecked with black pepper, it shows a core of pure satsuma plum, black cherry and black berry fruits with hints of star anise, violets and roasting meats. Supple and fleshy and instantly appealing, finishing stony and savoury. Very moreish. Drink by 2032.
93 points
Dave Brookes - James Halliday's Australian Wine Companion

This is one heady mix of four Barossan grape varieties and two regions all rolled into one glorious, easy going, lightly savoury wine. Has Barossan friendliness written all over it. How about those gorgeous iridescent purple hues! I suspect the role of 2% Viognier co-fermented with 81 % Shiraz comes into play there. Their blending buddies are Grenache (11%) and Mataro (6%) with all grapes sourced from either the Barossa Valley or Eden Valley. The scent is similarly memorable, exhibiting an aromatic mix half way between English garden and Aussie bush with bramble, red and black cherry, grilled plum and spices aplenty. Oak is discreet. This is all about the fruit, layers of it, supported ably by lively spice, florals and a gentle savouriness. Drink 2024-2031.
92 Points
Jeni Port – WinePilot.com