Winemaker Notes
Deep ruby with crimson hues. Fragrant, floral aromas of violets over spicy blackberry, raspberry and blueberry, with underlying spice notes of anise and black pepper, with sage, bay leaf, and cedar. The palate is spicy, juicy, and concentrated with ripe blueberry and fresh cut strawberry and plum creating layers of flavor with bright acidity and complexity from long, fine, savory tannins.
Professional Ratings
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Decanter
A vibrant, supple and spicy SGM with pronounced meaty, peppery undertones and subtle orange blossom and violet inflections (2% Viognier is co-fermented with the 74% Shiraz). In a low-yielding drought year, the blackberry, raspberry, blood plum and strawberry fruit is intense, but persistent giving a smooth, glossy mouthfeel with lovely freshness. The tannins are silky and a light touch of spice from the 8% Mataro gives grip to the finish. A sleek entry-point red.
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Wine Enthusiast
Shiraz gets co-fermented with Viognier and then blended with Grenache and Mataro for this oh-so-Barossa red. Plump berries, chocolate, peppery spice, beet leaves and something a bit ferrous lead to a silky mouthfeel. There's power and fruit sweetness here but also transparency and regional character to boot.
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Wine Spectator
There's a succulent quality to the apricot, black cherry and fleshy stewed plum notes of this wine, with accents of cardamom, clove and black tea, on a muscular frame. All the elements come together in a remarkably long finish, detailed and polished. Shiraz, Grenache, Mataro and Viognier. Drink now through 2037. 400 cases imported.
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
A blend of 74% Shiraz, 16% Grenache, 8% Mourvèdre and 2% Viognier (the Shiraz and Viognier are co-fermented), aged mostly in used barrels, the 2019 Henry's Seven hints at asphalt and black olive tapenade, set against a backdrop of blueberry and brambly blackberry fruit. Medium to full-bodied, it's creamy-slippery in texture—no doubt helped along by the Viognier inclusion—supple and easy to drink, with a juicy, lip-smacking finish and almost unnoticeable tannin. Drink it young and fresh.
With bold fruit flavors and accents of sweet spice, Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre form the base of the classic Rhône Red Blend, while Carignan, Cinsault and Counoise often come in to play. Though they originated from France’s southern Rhône Valley, with some creative interpretation, Rhône blends have also become popular in other countries. Somm Secret—Putting their own local spin on the Rhône Red Blend, those from Priorat often include Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. In California, it is not uncommon to see Petite Sirah make an appearance.
The Barossa Zone encompasses the Barossa Valley and Eden Valley. Some of the oldest vines in Australia can be found here.
Barossa Valley of course is the most important and famous wine growing region in all of Australia where 140+ year-old, dry-farmed Shiraz vines still produce inky, purple and dense juice for some of Australia's best wines.
In the cooler, wetter Eden Valley sub-region, the Hill of Grace vineyard is home to famous Shiraz vines from the 1800s but the region produces also some of Australia’s very best and age-worthy Rieslings.