Winemaker Notes
Deep crimson with violet hues. Fragrant aromas of raspberry, plum and boysenberry are layered with notes of sage, black pepper, mace and cocoa, and floral nuances of vanilla flower. A rich and supple palate of dark plum, cherry and crushed blackberry flavors is well-balanced by vibrant acidity and fine, savory tannins that lead to a long, peppery finish.
Professional Ratings
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James Suckling
A southern Rhone blend, infused with a dollop of viognier. Scents of purple pastille, raspberry bon-bon, rose water and eucalyptus, quintessentially Australian. The tannins, finely wrought. The oak, embedded nicely. This is a large-framed wine of impressive freshness, if not a slightly drying finish.
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2022 Henry's Seven leads with a vibrant core of raspberry seed and bramble, five spice and blood plum skin. In the mouth, the fruit is supple and spicy and expounds a brilliant clarity of tannin. Ductile, whippy and delicious, it has raspberry leaf tea and rose petals to close. There are also notes of pink peppercorns, as per usual. This is a gorgeous wine.
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Decanter
Red and black fruits intermingled with melted licorice and some mountain herbs on the nose. Creamy on the palate.
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Wine Spectator
A refined mix of tangy berry and cherry flavors mingles with bay leaf, red licorice and toasted cardamom notes on a smooth, silky frame, with a touch of creamy oolong tea. Shiraz, Grenache, Mataro and Viognier. Drink now. 4,000 cases made, 300 cases imported.
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.